Directive 8020is the next horror title to come from Supermassive Games, and it’s promising a spine-chilling story that is reminiscent ofThe ThingandAlien.TheDark Pictures Anthologyis a unique take on a horror series, andDirective 8020marks the beginning of its second season. However, this upcoming sci-fi horror tale has a subtle difference compared to its fellowDark Picturescounterparts.
In the past,The Dark Picturestitle has always come first before each new chapter’s name. However, this time around, it appears thatThe Dark Picturesname has been saved for last. Instead of titles likeThe Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes,this next chapter is titledDirective 8020: A Dark Pictures Game. It’s a small change that may ultimately hold a lot of significance in terms of the game’s overall scope.
Directive 8020’s Name Change Suggests a Different Direction for The Dark Pictures' Second Season
The First Season Brought Scares, But in Small Doses
Of course, the run times for each game are just rough estimates, but every entry in the first season ofThe Dark Pictures Anthologyhas been quite short. This doesn’t make the games less fun, but there are some plot and lore points throughout each chapter that could warrant more time exploring. Notevery Supermassive Games projectis so short, though.Until DawnandThe Quarryboth share the same formula asThe Dark Pictures Anthology, but their run times are a bit longer.
When looking at the Supermassive Games roster,The Dark Pictures Anthologyis more like a TV series, whileUntil DawnandThe Quarryare full-length movies. The larger budget and time given to the latter allow for more story to be told, and that’s what makesDirective 8020’s title switch-up so intriguing.It’s still connected toThe Dark Pictures Anthology, but the branding makes sure to feature its own name front and center before the anthology title.
A live-action film adaptation ofUntil Dawnis set to release this year. Actor Peter Stormare is the only member of the original cast confirmed to return.
While this title change could simply be a new way to market the anthology series, it also feels like there is a larger meaning behind such a seemingly menial shift. It makes one wonder ifDirective 8020could be larger in scopelikeUntil DawnandThe Quarryand Supermassive Games is simply using the recognition ofThe Dark Pictures Anthologybrand to give the game an extra boost.
A longerDark Picturesentry would be an intriguing prospect, as it could make the game’s story feel more fleshed out compared to some of the first season’s chapters. Downplaying the importance ofThe Dark Pictures' name is an interesting choice, and once the game launches, it will be exciting to see justwhy Supermassive Games made such a decision.
Directive 8020is scheduled to launch on May 23, 2025. The game will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Directive 8020 Aims to Bring the Scares Later This Year
Directive 8020is one of the few games to commit to a fall release date right now. With reports thatGTA 6is eyeing that timeframe, a lot of developers seem to be strategically planning to avoid releasing close to Rockstar’s upcoming title. However,Directive 8020has the advantage of beinga horror game releasing in October, so it’s bound to attract the attention of those wishing for a scary experience leading up to Halloween. Once it gets closer to the horror season, it will be exciting to find out if there is actually any significance toDirective 8020’s remixed title.
