Directive 8020

Directive 8020 is a cinematic science fiction survival horror game by Supermassive Games and part of the The Dark Pictures series. At its core are the decisions of a crew that, on a rescue mission far from Earth, faces a life-threatening danger.

Unlike a pure film-style adventure, the game also demands immediate reactions, sneaking and handling dangerous encounters. Choices open different story paths and can determine which crew members survive.

Directive 8020 was released on May 12, 2026 for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Digital Deluxe Edition adds cosmetic extras and bonus material to the base game. Since Oct 19, 2026, there is also a free online multiplayer mode.

Directive 8020 has been released for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Xbox version supports achievements and cloud saves. There is no separate version for PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch. The new online multiplayer mode also does not allow crossplay between the platforms.

The horror is not limited to dialogue choices. On board the Cassiopeia, characters must dodge dangers, use hiding places and react quickly in tense situations. Supermassive also mentions improvised weapons, whose use can be part of the fight for survival.

The alien threat is especially hard to pin down because it can take on the appearance of other living beings. Distrust within the crew is therefore not just background story, but a recurring prerequisite for choices.

The official minimum requirements list Windows 10 or 11 64-bit, an Intel Core i5-8500 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500, 16 GB RAM, a GeForce RTX 2060 or Radeon RX 5700, and 40 GB storage. Steam recommends an SSD.

For the recommended configuration, the store lists an Intel Core i5-12400F or Ryzen 5 5600X, as well as a GeForce RTX 3070 Ti or Radeon RX 6800. Here too, 16 GB RAM and 40 GB storage are listed. Fixed frame rates or resolutions cannot be derived from this alone.

In the scenario, Earth is considered increasingly uninhabitable. An expedition to the planet Tau Ceti f, about twelve light-years away, is meant to create a future for humanity. After a crash landing, the crew of the Cassiopeia is confronted with an alien life form that can imitate other people.

A key character is pilot Brianna Young, played by Lashana Lynch. Other crew members include mission commander Nolan Stafford and senior officer Laura Eisele. Their relationships and responsibilities give choices extra weight.

With Turning Points, Supermassive provides a graphical overview of important decision points. Players can return to specific branches to try other reactions or discover previously hidden story paths.

This is more than a simple chapter overview: the story can lead to different fates for crew members. How a specific choice plays out should not be confused with a guaranteed or only correct ending.

Directive 8020 can also be played online with up to five people since Oct 19, 2026. All participants need their own copy. Crossplay between different platforms is not supported. The local mode Movie Night remains available for groups sharing one screen.

Online there are two modes: In Custom, each person chooses a character and controls it when it's their turn. In Round Robin, control switches after a fixed time interval. For decisions, the players vote. The group can follow the majority or choose a different path. Mixed groups, where several people sit in the same place and others join from elsewhere, are also possible.

A separately available Digital Deluxe Edition Upgrade exists alongside the base game. According to the official store information, it includes alternative outfits, additional collectibles, film filters, a digital artbook and music by Jason Graves.

The Digital Deluxe Complete Edition bundles the base game with this upgrade. These product forms must not be confused with other standalone games or platform releases.

Supermassive Games developed Directive 8020 and retains creative control. In October 2026, Nordisk Games announced that Avalanche Studios Group will take over global publishing, marketing and distribution in future.

The collaboration also covers finance, staff and IT. Both studios remain independent and still decide on their own games.

13 additional visions show possible later events. The hidden finds hint at dangers on board the Cassiopeia. What consequences a choice actually has still depends on how the story unfolds.