Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game delayed to 2026; 13 minutes of ‘Prologue’ gameplay

Supermassive Games has pushed back the release date of their science-fiction horror game, titled “Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game“, from its initial planned launch on October 2, 2025 to some point in 2026.

Here is an overview of the game, via Supermassive Games:

About

From a devoted observer, here’s how I might rephrase it:

“I can’t help but feel a sense of impending doom as Earth seemingly withers away, and humanity seems to be rapidly running out of time. However, a glimmer of hope shimmers twelve light years from home at Tau Ceti f. When our colony ship, Cassiopeia, crash-lands on this distant planet, we quickly discover we’re not the only ones fighting for survival here.

Pursued by a cunning alien being that imitates its targets, the team aboard the Cassiopeia finds itself in a deadly game of cat and mouse to reach home safely. As they struggle to endure, they face their toughest dilemma: to ensure their own survival, they may have to jeopardize the lives of every person on Earth.

In space, death takes many forms.

Key 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.

The Dark Pictures

Enthusiasts of Supermassive Games’ past projects can rejoice as the essence of “The Dark Pictures” remains intact – all the elements that made it beloved are still here: intricate branching storylines, difficult decisions, and heart-stopping quick-time events. Not only that, but the gameplay has been refined, enhanced, and intensified to offer a greater sense of danger when navigating the environment.

Watch the new footage below.

13 Minutes of Prologue Gameplay

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2025-08-21 17:16