LONDON, UK — Supermassive Games, the acclaimed British studio behind narrative-driven hits like The Quarry and the Dark Pictures Anthology, has announced a significant delay for its upcoming sci-fi thriller Directive 8020—pushing its release to 2026. The news comes alongside confirmation of layoffs affecting 36 employees, casting a shadow over the studio’s ambitious project.
In a statement posted to social media, the studio cited "difficult market conditions" and a need to "refocus creative efforts" as key factors behind the restructuring. Directive 8020, initially slated for a late 2025 release, is described as a "cinematic space-horror adventure" set aboard a deteriorating starship—a premise reminiscent of Alien fused with Supermassive’s signature branching-story gameplay. The delay aims to "ensure the highest quality experience," according to the studio.
The layoffs, impacting roughly 30% of Supermassive’s 120-person team, were confirmed in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):
In the post, Supermassive expressed "deep regret" over the cuts, emphasizing that affected staff would receive severance and career support. "This was an incredibly difficult decision," the statement read, "but necessary to maintain the studio’s longevity and creative vision."
Industry analysts note the move reflects broader turbulence in gaming. Over 10,000 developers lost jobs globally in 2023, and 2024’s total already exceeds 7,000—with studios like Sony, Microsoft, and EA implementing similar cuts. Supermassive, acquired by Nordisk Games in 2022, had previously avoided large-scale layoffs despite economic headwinds.
The delay of Directive 8020 raises questions about production challenges. Insider sources suggest the project’s scope—reportedly larger than past titles—required additional time for polish amid tightened budgets. Fans expressed disappointment but sympathy online, with one Reddit user noting, "Delays hurt, but a rushed horror game hurts worse."
Supermassive reassures that its other projects, including Little Nightmares III (co-developed with Until Dawn) and future Dark Pictures entries, remain on track. For now, the studio’s focus is on supporting departing staff and refining Directive 8020’s "nerve-shredding interstellar odyssey" for its distant 2026 arrival.
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