Publisher and developer Supermassive Games have announced that its upcoming game, Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game will launch on May 12th with the game’s Digital Deluxe edition included as a free upgrade for console pre-orders.
The release date for the latest Dark Pictures game was pushed from its initial October 2nd, 2025, to 2026 after the studio announced layoffs, prompting Directive 8020. Alongside the news, Supermassive Games has released a new Comply pre-order trailer for Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game, which showcases more of the game and its sci-fi survival-horror tone.
“Earth is dying and humanity is running out of time. 12 light years from home, Tau Ceti f offers a small sliver of hope. When the colony ship Cassiopeia crash lands on the planet, its crew soon realize they are far from being alone. In space, death takes many forms,” a Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game synopsis writes on its Steam page.
Features:
- Alien Invasion – The colony ship Cassiopeia is infected with an alien organism, capable of transforming into any member of the crew. While you may be human, others in your crew may not be, and killers can hide behind familiar eyes. New stealth mechanics have been added to help players evade these deadly foes: you must keep your wits about you as enemies can emerge from unexpected places, and you’ll need to sneak and hide to get past these deadly alien stalkers.
- Brave Recruits – Introducing the Cassiopeia’s crew. You’ll control five crew members over the course of this expedition, but as paranoia and fear builds, so does distrust. With their lives in your hands, your decisions will determine not only the crew’s fate, but all of humanity’s, too.
- New Mechanics – Directive 8020 introduces several new tools. Throughout the game, you can use these to locate secrets, solve puzzles and overcome enemies. The mission is all about survival, so every tool has its purpose in helping you think on your feet and stay alive.
- The Flashlight – As is to be expected from our games, you’ll spend a lot of time creeping around in the dark! Just be careful when using your flashlight, as aliens can spot the beam.
- The Scanner – You’ll have a scanner at your disposal for detecting electronics and remotely activating systems, helping to distract enemies and overcome obstacles.
- The Messenger – Your messenger lets you communicate and strategize with crewmates while staying under the radar.
- The Wedge Tool – Made for opening doors… but as a last resort, can also be used as a weapon to temporarily stun enemies, giving you a chance to slip away and evade death.
Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game is releasing on May 12th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
