With 2025 being such a great year for video games across the board, there’s bound to be disappointing news at some point. One of the most highly anticipated horror games of the year,The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020, got an update today that will likely sadden those looking forward to it.
According to theDark PicturesFacebook page,Supermassive’sDirective 8020has been delayed until the first half of 2026 to give fans the"very best experience"possible.The new installment in the epic ongoing anthology that explores various horror genres was set to inject a sci-fi element into the series this year. Supermassive thanks fans for “patience and ongoing support” in the announcement, citing an “incredible” reaction so far.
Directive 8020 Needs More Time To Cook
Supermassive Wants The Game To Be In Top Shape Before Release
Directive 8020will be thefifth entry in theDark Picturesseriesand its first official sci-fi installment. Following up on a strong track record so far,Directive 8020promises to terrify players just as much as the first four games, which includeMan of Medan, Little Hope, House of Ashes, and most recently,The Devil In Me.
WhileDirective 8020was originally planned for a 2025 release,the delay may be for the best overall. While it comes as sad news for horror fans, it could ultimately give Supermassive the time to make the game as perfect as possible, and it’s not a particularly extensive setback.
Delays Are Disappointing, But Help Create Quality
8020 Is Better Late Than Messy
Supermassive may have gotten ahead of itself with a 2025 release announcement, but the delay to 2026 is probably a great sign for the gameplay itself. With huge releases such asGTA 6being delayedand disappointing players who have been waiting patiently for years, it’s better for games to take the time to hammer out the fine details instead of landing in an incomplete state.
Long-term, this is probably the best decision forDirective 8020, and who knows what we might have seen if the game was rushed to launch this year instead of waiting a bit. This is arguably the most highly anticipated entry in theDark Pictures Anthology, and it seems like theDirective 8020delay was decided on to ensure it’s as high-quality as possible when it releases in 2026.
