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Directive 8020 Launch Date Confirmed for May 2026
Supermassive Games has confirmed that its upcoming sci-fi survival horror, Directive 8020, will launch on May 12 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
The latest entry in The Dark Pictures universe shifts the studio’s cinematic horror formula into deep space, combining branching narrative design with paranoia-driven survival aboard a compromised spacecraft.
Pre-orders are now live on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with Steam pre-orders set to follow.
Every Choice Carries Weight in Deep Space
A new trailer titled Comply offers a closer look at Directive 8020’s core tension. The footage centres on paranoia and fractured trust within the crew, highlighting how player decisions can quickly spiral into irreversible consequences.
In one pivotal scene, Cooper, the ship’s medic, must decide whether to release her crewmate Mitchell from behind a sealed door, uncertain whether he remains human or has been replaced. The scenario reinforces the game’s central theme of suspicion, where even small decisions can determine who survives.
The trailer also teases branching variations depending on earlier choices, including a moment where two identical versions of the ship’s engineer appear, forcing players to determine which is real and which is a mimic. These sequences underline Supermassive’s continued focus on high-stakes decision-making.
For the first time, the footage also previews planetary exploration on Tau Ceti f, introducing hostile alien terrain beyond the spacecraft’s confines.
Turning Points Introduces Rewind Mechanics
Directive 8020 will introduce a new feature called Turning Points, marking a notable shift for The Dark Pictures formula.
Turning Points allows players to rewind to key decisions and explore alternate narrative branches. Completion-focused players can uncover hidden outcomes, while others may use the system to prevent favourite characters from dying.
For purists, Survivor Mode disables rewinds entirely, preserving the traditional experience in which every death is permanent and choices cannot be undone. The addition of optional rewinding reflects Supermassive’s attempt to broaden accessibility without compromising tension for those who prefer higher stakes.
At launch, Directive 8020 will support single-player and couch co-op for up to five players. Online multiplayer will arrive later as a free post-launch update.
Directive 8020 releases May 12 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
