Directive 8020 Delayed Until 2026 by Supermassive Games Following Layoffs
Supermassive Games has announced a delay to its upcoming survival horror, Directive 8020. The game will now launch in 2026 after a round of layoffs at the developer.
Directive 8020 was originally planned to launch on October 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but its delay has pushed the horror game to the first half of 2026.
Developer Supermassive Games has blamed “industry changes” after it was forced to delay the game due to studio layoffs.
What Is Directive 8020?
Directive 8020 is a new cinematic, sci-fi horror game from Supermassive Games within its Dark Pictures Anthology. It’s the first title in the series’ second season.
The game takes place on the colony ship Cassieopeia, which crash lands on a planet twelve light years from home, before its crew becomes the victim of a deadly alien lifeform that can take the shape of its prey.
As the crew struggles to tell friend from foe, trust between the survivors breaks down, with multiple branching storylines that twist with every decision, forcing different endings depending on the choices the player makes.
An update about Directive 8020 pic.twitter.com/lJtUwnwjce
— The Dark Pictures (@TheDarkPictures) July 22, 2025
Why Was It Delayed?
In a letter to fans on X, Supermassive Games revealed that the “decision was not taken lightly.” The studio said the delay was forced as it had to “adapt our team structure” to align with a “challenging and ever-changing” industry.
The developer reassured fans that there is “no impact on the development of Little Nightmares 3,” while admitting they expect to lose “up to 36” employees. It did confirm it “will offer full support to all those affected.”
A statement from Supermassive Games. pic.twitter.com/Vom1CSGYGs
— Supermassive Games (@SuperMGames) July 22, 2025
What Does This Mean for Fans?
Fans will have to wait for the new exact release date for Directive 8020. The game will now launch in the first half of 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
While Supermassive Games has told fans the layoffs will not affect other games in development, the studio and fans hope everyone affected by the cuts will land on their feet quickly.
Conclusion
Supermassive Games has announced a delay to Directive 8020. The upcoming survival horror will now release for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026. What do you think about the game’s delay? Are you concerned that there are more layoffs in the gaming industry? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fueled by a passion for gaming and the ever-evolving world of gaming news, Daniel loves connecting with seasoned and new players to bring games to life on the page, exploring their narratives and gaming trends. A self-published fiction and fantasy author, Daniel has nearly 20 years of experience writing gaming news and a love for storytelling that drives his enthusiasm to deliver breaking news, in-depth analysis, and industry innovations. You will find him in-game as "Windfell."
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