Until Dawn Devs Reveal Directive 8020 Release Date
▼ Summary
– Directive 8020, a sci-fi survival horror game from Supermassive Games, launches on May 12 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
– The game stars actress Lashana Lynch and is set on a crashed colony spaceship called the Cassiopeia.
– It features the studio’s signature choice-based gameplay with multiple protagonists who can die, but adds a new “Turning Point” rewind feature to alter outcomes.
– The release marks a shift from the studio’s annual pattern, having been delayed from October 2025 and developed since at least 2022.
– The game will support single-player and 5-player couch co-op at launch, with online multiplayer to be added in a free post-launch update.
Fans of cinematic horror can finally mark their calendars, as Supermassive Games has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated sci-fi thriller, Directive 8020. The game is set to launch on May 12 for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Console pre-orders are live now, and those who secure their copy early will receive a complimentary Deluxe Edition upgrade. This bonus pack includes an outfit and collectible set inspired by the studio’s previous Dark Pictures titles, along with a cinematic filter pack, a digital artbook, and the game’s soundtrack. Physical editions will also be available for purchase.
Stepping away from the terrestrial scares of its past work, the studio behind Until Dawn and The Quarry is venturing into the depths of space. The narrative unfolds aboard the wrecked colony ship Cassiopeia and features a cast led by acclaimed actress Lashana Lynch. While the setting is new, players will recognize Supermassive’s signature style of choice-driven storytelling, where multiple protagonists can meet untimely ends based on player decisions.
This project represents a significant evolution for the developer, which explains its extended development timeline. Moving beyond the annual release schedule of The Dark Pictures Anthology, Directive 8020 has been in the works since at least 2022. Its launch was initially planned for October 2025 but was delayed following a recent round of company layoffs. The additional time has allowed the team to implement substantial upgrades.
Beyond expected improvements to visuals, controls, and stealth mechanics, the game introduces a novel narrative feature. Players will have the option to rewind and revisit crucial “Turning Points” in the story. This mechanic allows for exploration of alternate paths and offers a chance to prevent character deaths that might have otherwise been permanent. For purists who prefer the high-stakes tension of earlier titles, a classic mode will be available that disables this rewind function, locking in every consequential choice.
At launch on May 12, the game will support both a single-player experience and local couch co-op for up to five players. A free update following the release will add online multiplayer functionality. Directive 8020 arrives roughly three and a half years after the last major Dark Pictures entry, The Devil in Me. Supermassive Games has indicated that this new title is designed to be more standalone than its anthology predecessors, meaning the franchise’s familiar narrator, The Curator, is expected to have a much-reduced role.
(Source: IGN)
