/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25538361/247196_Echo_Spot_Review_8A0A1511_CVirginia.jpg "The best October Prime Day deals you can get for less than $50")
Directive 8020 is the next game in line to continue the Dark Pictures anthology series. As the first game to kickstart Season 2 of the ongoing anthology, Directive 8020 is 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, as Directive 8020 is Dark 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, but Directive 8020 aims to bring humans into the furthest reaches of the unknown. Directive 8020 is 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 if Directive 8020 wants 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 of Alien: Romulus finally made the iconic franchise terrifying again. Fede Alvarez’s take on the Alien lore 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 upcoming Shattered Space expansion for Starfield promises to bring a bold new chapter to the space adventure. Of course, the base version of Starfield is nowhere close to horror, but Shattered Space is 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 for Starfield.
Directive 8020
has yet to reveal a release date. It is scheduled to launch at an undisclosed timeframe in 2025.
Directive 8020 has found itself in great company, but there may be a small window of time for Supermassive Games to really capitalize on the moment. Seeing how the Dark Pictures interprets cosmic horror elements is a compelling prospect, but the game will hopefully arrive in time for it to benefit from this surge in attention. An official reveal for Directive 8020 isn’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 8020 may 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 down before Directive 8020 launches, 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, and Scorn are 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 for Directive 8020 to 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 how the bold new direction of Directive 8020 sets the tone for Season 2 of Dark Pictures.
