Directive 8020is the next game in line to continue theDark Picturesanthology series. As the first game to kickstart Season 2 of the ongoing anthology,Directive 8020is taking its setting to the dark and unforgiving world of space. This is the first time that the series is leaving Earth, and early footage promises plenty of cosmic body horror on the horizon.
This is an exciting change of pace for the series, asDirective 8020isDark Pictures' first major venture into the sci-fi horror sphere. House of Ashes dabbled with some sci-fi elements with its vampiric monsters from outer space, butDirective 8020aims to bring humans into the furthest reaches of the unknown.Directive 8020is a grotesque chapter in the anthology, which is a staple in sci-fi horror. The sci-fi horror subgenre is having a huge renaissance period, and ifDirective 8020wants to be as successful as possible, it needs to announce its release date sooner than later.
Directive 8020 Keeping Pace With Other Cosmic Horror Releases
Sci-Fi Horror is Having a Big Moment in Pop Culture
Whether it is film, television, or video games, sci-fi horror is one of the most popular themes at the moment. The recent release ofAlien: Romulusfinally made the iconic franchise terrifying again. Fede Alvarez’s take on theAlienlore brought a spine-chilling and gore-filled chapter to life that wonderfully illustrated the horrors of space exploration. Hardcore body horror was on full display in the film, and it really showcased the intensity of the genre.
When it comes to video games, sci-fi horror is following along with the trend. At least when it comes to one highly anticipated DLC. The upcomingShattered Spaceexpansion forStarfieldpromises to bring a bold new chapter to the space adventure. Of course, the base version ofStarfieldis nowhere close to horror, butShattered Spaceis shaking things up. The DLC will finally lift the veil on the mysterious House Va’ruun. The serpent-worshiping cult teases some freaky things in store forStarfield.
Directive 8020has yet to reveal a release date. It is scheduled to launch at an undisclosed timeframe in 2025.
Directive 8020has found itself in great company, but there may be a small window of time for Supermassive Games to really capitalize on the moment. Seeinghow theDark Picturesinterprets cosmic horror elementsis a compelling prospect, but the game will hopefully arrive in time for it to benefit from this surge in attention. An official reveal forDirective 8020isn’t even a month old yet, but current trends unfortunately seem to die out faster in this day and age. On the bright side,Directive 8020may be intriguing enough to be a success even if the cosmic horror surge dies down.
Video Games Are a Great Home For the Sci-Fi Horror Genre
Even if the cosmic horror momentum dies downbeforeDirective 8020launches, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a successful game. Thankfully, the genre has always managed to find a solid home in the video game world.Dead Space,Doom, andScornare just a few of the many titles that are able to explore unique blends of science fiction and horror. From indie titles to games developed by larger studios, sci-fi and cosmic horror have continued to be a strong subject for games.
It would obviously be better forDirective 8020to be released while the subject is a hot topic, but it isn’t a complete loss if that doesn’t happen. Once it launches, it will be exciting to see howthe bold new direction ofDirective 8020sets the tone for Season 2 ofDark Pictures.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020
WHERE TO PLAY
Earth is dying and humanity is running out of time. 12 light years from home, Tau Ceti f offers a small sliver of hope. When the colony ship Cassiopeia crash lands on the planet, its crew soon realize they are far from being alone.In space, death takes many forms.NEXT-GEN CINEMATIC SURVIVAL HORRORExperience immersive cinematic storytelling and edge-of-your-seat horror on a deep space mission to save humanity.REAL-TIME ALIEN THREATSEvade a deadly alien threat that roams the dark corridors of the ship, intent on eradicating human life. Overcome your enemies using improvised weapons, lightning reflexes, and stealth.TRUST NO ONEEncounter an alien lifeform that perfectly imitates its prey. Years of training and trust are lost among the crew when their enemy hides in plain sight. Who is human and who is not? Your choices are now more important than ever!
