Supermassive Games will launch Directive 8020 on May 12, 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The sci-fi survival horror title marks the next entry in the Dark Pictures Anthology series.
Pre-orders opened earlier this week for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with Steam digital pre-orders arriving soon. Console versions offer both physical and digital formats, while Steam will be digital-only. All pre-orders include a free Deluxe Edition upgrade while retail stocks last.
The Deluxe Edition includes The Dark Pictures Outfit Pack, Collectables, Cinematic Filter Pack, Digital Soundtrack, and Digital Artbook. Supermassive Games confirmed the launch details alongside a new "Comply" trailer showcasing the game's choice-driven narrative.
Directive 8020 introduces Turning Points, a series-first feature that lets players rewind to key decisions and explore alternative narrative paths. The mechanic offers flexibility for completionists while Survivor Mode removes rewind options for a traditional permadeath experience.
Players control five crew members of the Cassiopeia colony ship, which crash-lands on the alien planet Tau Ceti f. The crew faces an organism that mimics human prey, creating paranoia-fueled decisions where trust determines survival. Actress Lashana Lynch stars as astronaut and co-pilot Brianna Young, bringing Hollywood talent to the cinematic horror experience.
The game launches with single-player and five-player couch co-op support. Online multiplayer arrives later through a free post-launch update. Supermassive Games developed Directive 8020 using Unreal Engine 5, featuring enhanced interactive cinematics and new stealth mechanics.
The "Comply" trailer highlights the game's choice-based gameplay, including a scene where medic Samantha Cooper must decide whether to release crewmate Mitchell from behind a sealed door. Another sequence forces players to identify which of two identical engineers is an alien mimic.
Directive 8020 represents Supermassive Games' return to narrative horror after concluding the first season of The Dark Pictures Anthology. The studio previously developed Until Dawn and The Quarry, establishing its reputation for cinematic horror experiences with branching storylines.
Lashana Lynch's casting adds star power to the project. The actress previously played the first black and female 007 agent in No Time to Die, with additional credits including The Woman King and Bob Marley: One Love. Her role as astronaut Brianna Young continues Supermassive's tradition of featuring Hollywood talent in horror narratives.
The May 12 release follows a delayed development timeline. Supermassive Games originally planned to launch the game on October 2, 2025, but delayed it to 2026 following layoffs affecting 36 employees. The studio confirmed the new release window earlier this month.
Pre-orders remain available through PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and participating retail stores. Steam users can wishlist the game ahead of digital pre-order availability. The free Deluxe Edition upgrade applies to all pre-orders placed before launch.
