27/06/2025

From mountain horror to space: Supermassive dares the sci-fi shock

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Directive 8020 is the next installment in the Dark Pictures Anthology – a series of interactive horror games known for their branching storylines and choices with real consequences. The new entry is expected to launch on October 2, 2025 and, for the first time, it leaves familiar ground: instead of haunted houses and mysterious caves, we’re heading into the horror of space.

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Since the surprise hit Until Dawn (2015), which is recommended by 96% of Google users, Supermassive has been considered one of the specialists for cinematic horror. With Directive 8020, the studio now ventures into a new setting – inspired by sci-fi classics like The Thing and Alien.

Alone on an alien planet – and not everyone is who they appear to be

You take on the role of crew members aboard the spaceship Cassiopeia, which crash-lands on an unknown planet after an accident – 12 light-years from Earth. But the hostile environment isn't your biggest problem: among you lurks a creature that can perfectly imitate the crew. It mimics bodies, voices, and behaviors – and poses one essential question: Who can you really trust?
The developers place strong emphasis on atmosphere and creature design. According to them, years were spent perfecting the look of the alien threat to make the horror as intense as possible.

Playing instead of watching – an interactive horror night

As expected from Supermassive, you’ll play through a story that changes significantly based on your choices. According to producer Dan McDonald, the game is split into eight episodes, each lasting around one hour. The twist: decisions you make early on can have dramatic consequences hours later.

You don’t need to restart the entire game every time to see different storylines – sometimes rewinding a scene and making a new choice is enough.

A major focus is on the multiplayer mode: up to five players can experience the space horror together – perfect for an atmospheric game night with friends instead of a traditional movie night.

Inspiration from science and pop culture

Alongside cinematic influences like Event Horizon and Alien, Supermassive also drew inspiration from real-world events. The Apollo 10 mission served as a key reference: a NASA mission that acted as a dress rehearsal for Apollo 11 – deliberately equipped with insufficient fuel to prevent a landing. Like the Cassiopeia, that mission was never meant to touch down.

Additionally, the game’s title Directive 8020 references the real NASA directive 8020.7G, which deals with avoiding biological contamination during space travel – a clever nod to the game’s core theme.

R.E.P.O. – how to defeat every level 1 monster

With Directive 8020, we’re in for atmospheric space horror that blends classic sci-fi elements with Supermassive’s proven decision-based gameplay. Fans of Until Dawn, Alien, or The Thing can look forward to a dark, gripping experience – solo or in co-op with friends.

(Image source: Supermassive)

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