Supermassive Games has officially confirmed that Directive 8020 will launch on May 12, 2026, bringing its next sci-fi survival horror experience to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. The announcement was accompanied by the debut of a new pre-order trailer and the opening of pre-orders on console platforms.
The upcoming title will be available in both physical and digital editions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, while the PC version will be offered exclusively in digital form through Steam. Console pre-orders are live now, with Steam pre-orders set to follow at a later date. Players who pre-order the game will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Deluxe Edition, though availability is limited to participating retailers, and stock will be restricted.
Alongside the release date reveal, Supermassive Games has published a new trailer focused on the core themes of Directive 8020. The footage highlights the game’s emphasis on paranoia-driven decision-making, where trust between crew members is constantly tested, and even a single choice can lead to fatal consequences. Set aboard a deep space mission, the narrative places players in morally complex situations where certainty is rare, and survival is never guaranteed.
The trailer showcases several branching scenarios that underline the games choice based structure. One moment centers on Cooper, the ship’s medic, who is forced to decide whether to release a crewmate trapped behind a sealed door, unsure if he is still human. Another scene presents a more extreme dilemma, as two identical versions of a crew member appear, leaving the player to determine which one is an impostor and who should be allowed to live. Each outcome carries permanent consequences for the story.
For the first time in the series, Directive 8020 also teases planetary exploration, offering a brief look at on-surface gameplay set on the hostile alien world of Tau Ceti f. These segments suggest a broader scope than previous entries, expanding beyond confined interiors into more open and dangerous environments.
The trailer features Lashana Lynch in the role of pilot Brianna Young, with music provided by Brighton-based band Blood Red Shoes. Their track Comply plays over the footage, reinforcing the tense and unsettling tone of the reveal.
Directive 8020 introduces a new system called Turning Points, designed to give players greater flexibility in how they experience the narrative. This feature allows key decisions to be revisited, enabling players to explore alternate story paths or correct fatal mistakes. Those who prefer a traditional experience can opt into Survivor Mode, which removes all safety nets and makes every death permanent, staying true to the classic Dark Pictures formula.
Players who pre-order the game will gain access to several bonus items through the Deluxe Edition upgrade. These include The Dark Pictures Outfit Pack, additional collectables, cinematic filter options, a digital soundtrack, and a digital artbook.
At launch, Directive 8020 will support single player and local couch co op for up to five players. Online multiplayer is planned as a free post-launch update, with additional details to be shared closer to release.
Directive 8020 is set to launch worldwide on May 12, 2026, marking the next chapter for Supermassive Games narrative driven horror series on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam.
