Supermassive Games has announced a significant restructuring of its team, confirming up to 36 job cuts — a further blow to the studio following a major layoff in March 2024 that saw around 90 employees let go. With approximately 350 staff reported in 2023, these latest reductions now mean that Supermassive has cut roughly one-third of its workforce over the past 18 months.
The studio cited an ongoing "challenging and ever-evolving environment" in the game industry as the driving force behind the decision, stating it is adapting its team structure to better align with long-term development goals and shifting market dynamics. The announcement comes amid delays and uncertainty surrounding several major projects, most notably Directive 8020, a standalone entry in the Dark Pictures Anthology series.
Key Updates from Supermassive Games:
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Directive 8020 delayed to the first half of 2026:
The sci-fi horror game — initially teased in 2022 and officially confirmed that same year in a post-credits teaser for The Devil in Me — will now launch at least three years after the previous mainline release. Supermassive emphasized that the extra time is being used to refine gameplay, enhance storytelling, and deliver the "very best experience" for fans. The studio expressed deep gratitude to its community for their "patience and support." -
Reduced emphasis on continuity:
While the Dark Pictures Anthology has previously featured recurring elements like the enigmatic Curator, Supermassive confirmed that Directive 8020 will be more self-contained, with less reliance on lore and connections to prior entries. This shift may signal a broader strategic pivot toward more standalone experiences, potentially reducing long-term narrative commitments. -
Little Nightmares 3 remains on track:
Despite the layoffs, Little Nightmares 3 — a long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed psychological horror game — is still in active development and remains unaffected. The game is now scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, and Supermassive confirmed that its team is continuing to work on it. -
Franchise trajectory in question:
Since the 2022 launch of The Devil in Me, progress on new Dark Pictures titles has stalled. The 2023 VR spin-off Switchback VR was a minor release, and subsequent updates have been sparse. With Directive 8020 now delayed and no new details on other potential entries, fans are left wondering whether the franchise will continue at its former pace — or if Supermassive is scaling back its ambitions.
Industry Context:
Supermassive's struggles reflect wider challenges across the gaming industry, including:
- Increased development costs and longer timelines
- Risk-averse publishing models
- Pressure to innovate while maintaining brand consistency
- The high cost of AAA horror and narrative-driven games
Despite the turmoil, the studio remains committed to delivering quality experiences — and, importantly, maintaining key projects like Little Nightmares 3.
Final Thoughts:
While the delays and layoffs are disappointing for fans of Supermassive’s immersive, choice-driven horror titles, the studio’s message underscores a focus on quality over speed. For those invested in the Dark Pictures Anthology, the extended wait for Directive 8020 may be seen as a double-edged sword — a delay, yes, but potentially a sign that the team is taking the time to get it right.
As the industry continues to grapple with consolidation and restructuring, Supermassive’s path forward remains uncertain — but not entirely bleak. With a core team still active and major titles in development, the horror saga may not be over... just temporarily on pause.
“We remain focused on our upcoming projects… and we’re deeply grateful for the patience and support of our community.”
— Supermassive Games, July 22, 2025
