Supermassive Games' Horror Directive 8020 Launches May 12

Supermassive Games announced that Directive 8020, the next installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology, launches for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series on May 12. Pre-orders are now available on PS5 and Xbox Series for $50, with a free upgrade to the Deluxe edition included.

In Directive 8020, players embark on a deep space mission to save humanity. The story unfolds in cinematic fashion, filled with terrifying moments. A deadly alien lurks in the ship's dark corridors, intent on eliminating the entire crew. Survival requires quick reflexes, stealth tactics, and makeshift weapons crafted from available materials.

The alien organism can perfectly mimic its prey, meaning any crewmate could be the creature in disguise. This concept echoes the cult classic "The Thing." Fans of that film or its game adaptation may find this new title particularly compelling.

The game features a new "Turning Points" system that alters the story's progression. Players make critical decisions leading to different endings, unlock secret paths, and potentially save crew members from death. Improvised weapons, lightning-fast reflexes, and stealth approaches are available for confronting threats.

Supermassive Games confirmed that The Dark Pictures core remains intact – branching storylines, impossible choices, and quick-time events are all still present. However, gameplay has been redesigned and polished to make environmental exploration more tense and dangerous.