Humanity’s last hope is about to become a living nightmare. Supermassive Games has announced that “Directive 8020,” the next cinematic chapter in “The Dark Pictures” franchise, will launch on May 12, 2026. The sci-fi survival horror adventure is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Set 12 light-years from a dying Earth, the story follows the crew of the colony ship Cassiopeia after a disastrous crash-land on the planet Tau Ceti f. The survivors quickly discover they aren’t alone; they are being hunted by an adaptive alien organism capable of mimicking its prey with terrifying precision.
To save themselves, the crew must face a soul-crushing ultimatum: protect their own lives, or risk the safety of the entire human race back on Earth.
In a major shake-up for the franchise, “Directive 8020” introduces Turning Points. This new feature allows players to rewind and revisit pivotal decisions. Whether you’re a completionist looking to see every branching path or a purist who prefers the “one-and-done” tension of classic “Dark Pictures” titles, the choice is now in your hands.
The game will be available in both physical and digital formats, with pre-orders now live for consoles. PC will be digital-only, withpre-orders coming soon. Pre-orders include a free Deluxe Edition for early adopters (while retail stocks last).
The Deluxe Upgrade includes:
- The Dark Pictures Outfit Pack
- The Dark Pictures Collectables
- Cinematic Filter Pack
- Digital Soundtrack
- Digital Artbook
At launch on May 12, players can brave the dark alone or via 5-player couch co-op. A free update adding online play is scheduled to be released shortly after the game’s release.
