Today, Supermassive Games announced that their latest title, Directive 8020, is finally releasing on May 12th, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Physical and digital pre-orders are now live on consoles, while PC will open soon and be digital only. Pre-orders include a free Deluxe Edition upgrade (while retail stocks last), and you can watch the pre-order trailer below.
Every Choice Has a Consequence
The Comply Pre-Order Trailer explores Directive 8020’s paranoia-fueled decision-making, where trust is fragile and every choice can be deadly.
- Choice-Based Gameplay: Cooper, the ship's medic, is fueled by paranoia and faces a harrowing decision as her crewmate Mitchell pleads for release from behind a sealed door. Cooper, unknowing if he’s human or not, has a difficult decision to make. This moment underscores a core theme of Directive 8020: trust no one, as every action has consequences.
- The “Double” Reveal: Based on how the game branches and your previous decisions, Cooper can now possess the gun instead of Commander Stafford. Two identical versions of Cernan (the ship's Engineer) rush into view and you must choose: who is the mimic and who do you allow back into the crew? One choice will prove fatal.
- Planetary Exploration: For the first time, the trailer teases on-planet gameplay showcasing the harsh, alien landscape of Tau Ceti f.
- Talent & Track: The trailer features lead talent Lashana Lynch as pilot Brianna Young, accompanied by the track “Comply” from Brighton-based band Blood Red Shoes.
Turning Points
Directive 8020 introduces Turning Points, a brand-new feature for The Dark Pictures that allows players to rewind and revisit key decisions, tailoring the experience to different playstyles. Whether uncovering every possible outcome or braving the story with no second chances, Turning Points gives players greater control over how they survive the horrors of deep space.
- Completionists: Track and explore alternative narrative branches and hidden endings.
- “Save my favorite character!” players: Rewind death to undo fatal mistakes and keep favorite characters alive.
- Survivors: Survivor Mode delivers the classic Dark Pictures experience - no safety nets, where every death is permanent.
Pre-order Directive 8020 now to secure your free Deluxe Edition upgrade
Pre-orders are available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and at participating retail stores (while retail stocks last), with Steam digital pre-orders coming soon. Pre-orders include access to:
- The Dark Pictures Outfit Pack
- The Dark Pictures Collectables
- Cinematic Filter Pack
- Digital Soundtrack
- Digital Artbook
Directive 8020 launches with single-player and couch co-op for up to five players, with online multiplayer arriving in a free post-launch update. More details will be shared soon.
Directive 8020 launches on May 12, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). For more information on Directive 8020, check out the official socials to keep up to date with the latest news: X, Instagram, Facebook. Also, Supermassive Games invites you to join the mission and find out more: www.directive8020.com
David Flynn
The Dark Pictures Anthology has had it's ups and downs, varying wildly in quality from some of the best in its genre (House of Ashes) to some big low points (Little Hope was almost amazing), so I have high hopes for Directive 8020. We'll find out if it soars though space or comes hurtling down through the atmosphere on May 12th. For more on Directive 8020 and all things Dark Pictures, stay tuned to GamingTrend.
