Supermassive Cuts 70 Jobs Months After Directive 8020 Launch
Supermassive Games has laid off over 70 employees, a move announced less than six months after the release of its sci-fi horror title Directive 8020. The cuts, which include senior leadership and developers, follow a consultation process that began in August. The studio, known for interactive horror games like Until Dawn, is downsizing from a workforce of over 400 to ensure financial sustainability, despite recent efforts to patch in online multiplayer for its latest release.
Key points
- Supermassive Games confirmed the dismissal of more than 70 staff members on October 5, 2026.
- The layoffs affect developers, artists, producers, QA teams, and operations staff, including senior leadership.
- The cuts occur less than six months after the release of Directive 8020, which received mixed reviews for bad writing and missing online co-op.
- Frank Tindle, the former IT and Facilities Director, announced the layoffs via LinkedIn, noting the studio grew from a handful of people to over 400.
- Supermassive had warned of the reductions in August, describing them as necessary for the company's sustainability.
- The studio recently announced that online multiplayer would be added to Directive 8020 in October, nearly five months after launch.
Background
Supermassive Games is a horror studio known for interactive titles such as The Quarry, The Casting of Frank Stone, and The Dark Pictures Anthology. While these games have not been mega-hits, they have found audiences among horror enthusiasts. The studio previously developed Back 4 Blood and State of Decay. The current layoffs follow a period of mixed reception for Directive 8020, which featured strong horror moments but was criticized for writing and technical issues. The broader gaming industry has seen significant layoffs in recent months, including at Xbox and Activision, reflecting a challenging market environment.
Why it matters
The layoffs highlight the financial pressures facing mid-sized game studios, even those with established franchises. The timing, shortly after a new release with mixed reviews, underscores the risks associated with development cycles and market reception. The outsourcing of the Until Dawn sequel to Firesprite indicates a strategic shift in how Sony and Supermassive handle major IP, potentially impacting future projects and studio stability.
What to watch
Supermassive Games will continue operations with a significantly reduced workforce. The online multiplayer update for Directive 8020 is expected to launch in October. The Until Dawn sequel remains scheduled for 2027, now under the development of Firesprite. The studio may seek to restructure its remaining teams to focus on sustainable projects, while laid-off employees, including senior leaders like Frank Tindle, will seek new opportunities in the industry.
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