Supermassive Games, the renowned studio behind Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology, has made a difficult announcement regarding its future. The England-based developer revealed that it is initiating a redundancy consultation process, which is expected to result in up to 36 employees being laid off.
The company explained that these measures are a response to the “challenging and ever-evolving environment” of the gaming industry, as it navigates the current economic climate. You can read their statement on X below:
A statement from Supermassive Games. pic.twitter.com/Vom1CSGYGs
— Supermassive Games (@SuperMGames) July 22, 2025
In light of this, Supermassive also announced the delay of its highly anticipated sci-fi horror game, Directive 8020. Originally set for release on October 2, 2025, the game will now launch sometime in the first half of 2026. While the decision to delay the game was a difficult one, Supermassive stated that it was made in the best interest of the fans, as the studio seeks to deliver “the very best experience.”
The game, which marks Supermassive’s first venture into the sci-fi genre, will feature a crew stranded on a spaceship, battling a shapeshifting alien menace for survival. Directive 8020 was already generating buzz after a positive reception during its playable reveal at Summer Game Fest, and the delay signals the studio’s commitment to ensuring it meets the high expectations set by its earlier successes.
Despite the setback, Supermassive reassured fans that its other major project, Little Nightmares III, is unaffected by these changes. Scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, the third installment in the Little Nightmares series is still on track and promises to bring more of the eerie, atmospheric horror fans have come to expect.
As the gaming industry continues to face growing challenges, Supermassive’s decision to delay Directive 8020 speaks to the increasing focus on quality and stability. Though fans will have to wait longer for the next chapter in the studio’s lineup, the delay is likely to allow Supermassive to craft an experience that is worth the wait. Personally, I’m all for waiting for a more polished product rather than something rushed.
In the meantime, Directive 8020‘s eventual release in 2026 is expected to be an even more highly anticipated event, as the studio continues to develop its unique brand of immersive storytelling.
