Today marks another day with the familiar “y” suffix, signifying yet more layoffs within the gaming sector. On Tuesday, Supermassive Games, a U.K.-based developer specializing in horror titles, announced via Twitter that they have initiated a consultation process that is expected to result in the termination of 36 jobs.
The statement from the company acknowledges that this decision was not taken lightly and expresses empathy for those affected: “We understand that this will be an extremely challenging period for everyone involved.” The priority, they assure, will be to provide comprehensive support to all those impacted by these changes.
It’s important to note that this latest round of cuts follows a previous layoff in February 2024, when Supermassive Games let go approximately 26% of their workforce, amounting to 90 employees at the time.
Directive 8020 is delayed, while Little Nightmares 3 isn’t
Alongside their staff reductions, Supermassive Games announced that their upcoming science fiction horror game, Directive 8020, will not be released on October 2, 2025, as initially planned. Instead, it is now expected to debut in the first half of 2026. The team expressed gratitude for the understanding and support from their fanbase while they work to create an exceptional gaming experience.
Directive 8020 is part of The Dark Pictures Anthology and follows a crew of astronauts searching for a new planet. After a crash-landing, they encounter a terrifying lifeform that can transform into grotesque forms by mimicking humans.
Simultaneously, Supermassive Games is developing Little Nightmares 3, the sequel to Tarsier Studios’ horror titles. Unlike Directive 8020, Little Nightmares 3 remains on schedule for an October 9, 2025 release across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5. Similar to its predecessors, players will guide a child through a vast, desolate world. However, unlike past games, Little Nightmares 3 offers co-op gameplay, allowing two players to navigate the experience together.
At Summer Game Fest 2025, I had the opportunity to preview Directive 8020, created by Will Doyle. The demonstration was brief, yet it left me captivated by the enhanced visual quality and stealth aspects of the game, which surpassed its predecessors in The Dark Pictures Anthology. With a science-fiction backdrop reminiscent of classics like Alien and The Thing, it ignited my enthusiasm.
Although I’ve appreciated past games from the series, I eagerly anticipate this one to surpass them and match the brilliance of Until Dawn, a 2015 masterpiece that remains Supermassive Games’ finest creation. It’s undeniably disheartening to know there will be a delay, but I remain optimistic about the game’s release.
In the interim, my thoughts are with those affected by the recent layoffs at the studio. I hope they can secure new positions swiftly.
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2025-07-23 00:09