Directive 8020 gets multiplayer and cosmetics update
The world of interactive horror has always thrived on suspense, but sometimes, the best stories require more than just a solo player. Supermassive Games, a studio known for crafting atmospheric thrillers like Until Dawn, is now stepping into the multiplayer arena with a major update for their self-published title, Directive 8020. This latest development isn’t just a patch; it’s an expansion, transforming a solitary nightmare into a shared cinematic experience.
While the initial launch of Directive 8020 saw mixed reception and a player count that didn’t quite reach previous studio highs, the team remains committed to building upon their universe. Recognizing the potential for community engagement, Supermassive Games has released a substantial free update, introducing full online multiplayer functionality to the game.
This new mode invites up to five players to step into the shoes of the game’s five main characters simultaneously. It successfully mirrors the intimacy of the game’s original local ‘movie night mode’, allowing players to collaborate and face the terrifying consequences of their decisions in real-time.
Beyond the core co-op experience, the update packs in diverse ways for players to interact. Introducing a Round Robin Mode allows players to rotate turns, ensuring everyone gets a chance to take the spotlight, while an optional group voting system gives players a say in some of the game’s most difficult narrative choices.
Supermassive has designed this online experience to be wonderfully flexible. The multiplayer setup supports any multiple of up to five people and allows them to connect from any location, meaning the boundaries of the horror no longer matter. The caveat? To enjoy this shared adventure, players will need their own separate copies of the game, as there is no convenient friend pass option.
To further enrich the gameplay, the update also introduced classic elements that add depth to the horror experience. Players can now access the ‘classic Dark Pictures feature’ of collectible premonitions, offering glimpses into future potential outcomes based on earlier choices. Furthermore, the update includes cosmetic additions, letting players customize their characters with retro silver space suits.
This evolution signals a commitment to adding significant value to the package. Whether this update will completely shift the narrative trajectory of Directive 8020 is yet to be seen, but the move demonstrates Supermassive’s dedication to ensuring their interactive horror world continues to evolve and captivate audiences in new ways.