Supermassive Games has announced that Directive 8020, its upcoming sci-fi survival horror narrative adventure, will launch on May 12, 2026. The title is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Console versions will be available in both physical and digital formats, while the PC release will be digital-only. Pre-orders are now live on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with Steam pre-orders scheduled to open soon.
Players who secure a copy early will receive a free Deluxe Edition upgrade, while retail stocks last. The upgrade includes The Dark Pictures Outfit Pack, The Dark Pictures Collectables, a Cinematic Filter Pack, a Digital Soundtrack, and a Digital Artbook. Supermassive confirmed that these bonuses apply to console pre-orders and participating retailers, with digital incentives also planned for Steam.
Set in deep space near Tau Ceti f, Directive 8020 centers on a crew facing an unknown threat that challenges their trust in one another. The recently released “Comply” pre-order trailer highlights the game’s core theme: every decision carries weight.
A pivotal scene centers on Cooper, the ship’s medic, as she faces a tense decision involving her crewmate, Mitchell. Trapped behind a sealed door, Mitchell begs to be let out. Cooper is left to determine whether he is still human or has become a threat to everyone on board. The consequences rest solely in the player’s hands, underscoring the game’s emphasis on choice-driven storytelling and multiple narrative paths.
The trailer also reveals a scenario where two identical versions of Cernan, the ship’s engineer, appear simultaneously. Players must determine which one is the mimic and choose who is allowed back into the group. The wrong decision can lead to fatal consequences. Depending on previous actions, character roles may also shift. In some narrative paths, Cooper holds the weapon during a tense confrontation instead of Commander Stafford, altering how events unfold.
For the first time in a Dark Pictures entry, Directive 8020 introduces on-planet exploration. Footage from the trailer shows the crew navigating the harsh terrain of Tau Ceti f. The alien landscape presents environmental hazards that add another layer of tension beyond the confined spaces of the spacecraft.
The cast includes Lashana Lynch as pilot Brianna Young. The trailer is accompanied by the track “Comply” from Brighton-based band Blood Red Shoes, setting the tone for the game’s atmosphere.
This installment introduces the Turning Points feature, giving players the ability to revisit pivotal story decisions and replay key moments across the narrative. By reworking these events and exploring different choices, players can shape the storyline in new ways, experiment with alternative paths, and tailor the experience to their preferred approach.
Players who want to explore alternate story branches can revisit earlier choices to uncover hidden outcomes. Those aiming to keep specific characters alive can undo fatal decisions. For those who prefer higher stakes, Survivor Mode removes the safety net entirely. In this mode, deaths are permanent, and choices cannot be reversed.
At launch, Directive 8020 will offer single-player and local couch co-op for up to five players. Online multiplayer will arrive later as a free post-launch update, with additional details to be shared closer to release.
With its May 2026 release date confirmed, Directive 8020 continues Supermassive Games’ focus on cinematic horror shaped by player choice. Pre-orders are currently available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with Steam users set to gain access soon.
