The Dark Pictures Anthology
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Dark Pictures Anthology across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Why switching main characters for your game's sequel might be a mistake
Consultant Christian Fonnesbech argues that switching main characters in game sequels is a significant business risk, as characters are a primary emotional connection for players and a valuable IP asset. While artistic choices like introducing female protagonists in Hades 2 can be successful, Fonnesbech questions their long-term business impact and suggests maintaining character continuity is crucial for franchise success, citing examples like Tomb Raider and James Bond.
Supermassive Games begins third round of layoffs in three years
Supermassive Games has initiated a third round of layoffs in three years, with up to 75 employees potentially affected. This follows previous downsizing in July 2025 and earlier in 2024, raising concerns about the future of the studio and its narrative-driven franchises. The news comes just three months after the release of their latest title, Directive 8020.
Until Dawn and Little Nightmares 3 studio Supermassive announces further layoffs, with as many as 75 people expected to lose their jobs
Supermassive Games, known for titles like Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology, has announced another round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 75 employees. This marks the third such event in two years for the UK studio, which recently released Directive 8020 and Little Nightmares 3. The company cited the need for sustainability as the reason for the redundancies.
Supermassive Games Begins Redundancy Consultation Process, Up to 75 Layoffs Expected
Supermassive Games has initiated a redundancy consultation process that could affect up to 75 employees, citing sustainability as the reason. This marks the third consecutive year of layoffs for the studio, which previously experienced staff reductions in 2024 and 2025. The company's recent title, Directive 8020, launched on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, but its sales performance and reception are unknown factors in these decisions.
After leading the studio through 2 rounds of layoffs and 1 game release, the CEO of Supermassive is stepping down
Robert Henrysson, CEO of Supermassive Games and Nordisk Games, is stepping down from his roles. During his tenure, he oversaw the release of Directive 8020 and led the studio through two rounds of layoffs. Henrysson expressed gratitude to the team and indicated openness to future advisory roles in the games industry.
Supermassive Games CEO steps down following launch of Directive 8020
Robert Henrysson is stepping down as CEO of Supermassive Games after less than three years. His departure comes approximately six weeks after the launch of the studio's latest title, Directive 8020. Henrysson, who also served as a partner at Nordisk Games, cited industry changes and the team's effort in his announcement.
A Dead by Daylight movie is in the works at Blumhouse
Blumhouse has announced a film adaptation of the popular asymmetrical horror game Dead by Daylight, with Thordur Palsson set to direct. This marks Blumhouse's continued involvement in video game adaptations, following their success with Five Nights at Freddy's. The movie is expected to explore the game's lore and the origins of its original characters and the mysterious Entity.
Sony Announces Until Dawn 2, Developed by Firesprite Games
Sony announced Until Dawn 2 during its State of Play presentation, with development handled by Firesprite Games instead of the original studio, Supermassive Games. The narrative horror title will be a spiritual successor, focusing on player choice and character permadeath, and is slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5. Actor Neil Newbon is confirmed to be involved.
Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game Original Soundtrack Now Streaming
The original soundtrack for Supermassive Games' survival horror title Directive 8020, composed by Jason Graves, is now available on all major digital music platforms. The game is part of The Dark Pictures Anthology series and features a branching narrative with player choices impacting survival against an alien organism.
Directive 8020 Guide – All 5 O Death Secrets And How To View The Teaser Trailer
This guide details the locations of all five "O Death" secrets within The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020. Finding these secrets unlocks a bonus cutscene featuring The Curator and a teaser trailer for the next game in the anthology. The secrets can be found across various segments of the game, with some accessible via the checkpoint system after the first is discovered.
Directive 8020 Includes Teaser for Next Game as Reward for 100 Percent Completion
Supermassive Games has included a teaser for its next project, potentially titled The Craven Man or Intercession, within its latest release, Directive 8020. This tradition of hiding future game hints has been present since The Dark Pictures Anthology – Man of Medan. The teaser features cryptic VHS footage and ominous messages, suggesting a supernatural horror theme.
Until Dawn Dev Still Going with Dark Pictures Series, Next Entry Teased
Supermassive Games has teased the next installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology horror series through a hidden video in the latest release, Directive 8020. The teaser, potentially for a game titled 'The Craven Man', hints at a paranormal threat and flashes several years, including 1988, 2019, 2028, and 2029. The article also notes that Directive 8020 itself received a 5/10 rating in a PlayStation 5 review.
Intercession or The Craven Man?: Directive 8020 teaser for next Dark Pictures, analyzed
This analysis delves into the teaser trailer for Directive 8020, the latest entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology, to theorize about the identities of upcoming games like The Craven Man and Intercession. The author suggests that the trailer's imagery and cryptic messages, referencing past titles and potential future release years, point towards The Craven Man being the next game, focusing on themes of sacrifice and ritualism.
All The Dark Pictures Anthology games, ranked: Where does Directive 8020 place?
This article ranks all five released games in The Dark Pictures Anthology, a series of interactive horror titles from Supermassive Games. House of Ashes is placed first for its action-packed narrative and character development, while The Devil in Me is ranked last due to its pacing and storytelling issues. Directive 8020 is also discussed as a promising sci-fi entry with potential.
Directive 8020 Review – Lost in Trust
Directive 8020 marks a significant departure for The Dark Pictures Anthology, introducing real-time controls and a sci-fi survival horror theme inspired by games like Dead Space and The Last of Us. While the new mechanics and focus on trust and paranoia create an immersive atmosphere, the stealth sections are formulaic and the mimic concept is underutilized. The game is most accessible and forward-looking in the series, though it trades some of its distinctiveness for a more modern approach.
Directive 8020 Released
The latest installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology, Directive 8020, has been released for PC and consoles. This action-adventure title follows four previous horror entries in the series.
DIRECTIVE 8020 Launches Today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam)
Supermassive Games has launched Directive 8020, the latest installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology series, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This cinematic sci-fi survival horror game challenges players to make difficult moral choices as the crew of a colony ship crash-lands on an alien planet and is hunted by a mimic organism. The game features real-time threats, survival gameplay, and can be played solo or in couch co-op mode with up to five players.
Can you save everyone in Directive 8020?
This guide details how to save all characters in Supermassive Games' interactive horror title, Directive 8020. It emphasizes the importance of completing quick-time events and making specific narrative choices throughout the game's episodes to prevent character deaths. While some characters like Simms and Carter cannot be saved, the guide provides strategies to ensure the survival of the main crew members.
How To Unlock The Next Dark Pictures Teaser In Directive 8020
This guide explains how to unlock the Curator character and a teaser for the next game in The Dark Pictures Anthology within Directive 8020. Players must find five hidden 'O Death' collectibles scattered throughout the game's episodes. These collectibles are a tribute to the late actor Tony Pankhurst, who voiced the Curator.
Just Add Water Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Industry Veteran Gareth Betts as Senior Producer
Just Add Water Development has appointed Gareth Betts as Senior Producer, bringing over three decades of industry experience to the UK-based studio. Betts previously held roles at Bandai Namco Entertainment and Sony, working on titles like The Dark Pictures Anthology and Wipeout HD. His appointment is part of the studio's strategy to enhance production capabilities as it moves towards 'AA' development.