Gamescom 2024 gave fans a new look atDirective 8020, the upcoming fifth mainline installment of theDark Pictures Anthologyfrom developer Supermassive Games. As the first title that makes upDark Pictures' Season 2,Directive 8020will want to make a strong impression. Indeed, part of this shift from season 1 to season 2 is based on Supermassive is always aiming to improve its various mechanics.
Game Rant spoke to Dan McDonald, executive producer on the project, at Gamescom about the upcoming title. As this is the first time theDark Picturesseries has gone into space, McDonald was keen to point out the additional challenges that this new setting brings with it. The audio, in particular, is one of the key components that can make or break the experience, and he was quick to explain how Supermassive Games is incredibly lucky to have such a talented audio team on board.
Sound Will be Crucial in Directive 8020
Whether it’s in movies, TV, orvideo games, any horror genre-related projecthas multiple plates spinning at any one time. It needs to create a level of tension that simply doesn’t exist in other genres, and this is no easy feat to achieve. The best horror-related projects are those that are able to combine visuals and audio to create a truly terrifying experience that engages its audience on a deep, almost subliminal level. TheDark Pictures Anthologyhas achieved this feat several times before, but it has probably never been more vital for the experience than it is inDirective 8020.
Outer space is a desolate place, and it seems like this desolation will be a common theme throughout the game. McDonald stated how the audio would really help users feel immersed in the experience, ‘‘We do an amazing amount of work with the actors on the set recording the lines and making sure it’s done correctly, making sure there are no distractions. Previously, we’ve had things like helicopters flying over your head. Now we’re basically in a bunker.’’ He went on to explain,
‘‘We do a lot of pre-production and research to find out what the multiple effects should sound like. For example, the creaking of a ship… all of those things are layered together.’’
Othersci-fi horror projects, such asDead Space, also explore those themes of isolation and helplessness, and McDonald explained thatDirective 8020would at times lean into similar themes:
“It’s this fantastic sci-fi setting and environment, along with that claustrophobic feel that you get within a spaceship. There is literally death waiting just on the other side of the thin metal walls.”
With Supermassive Games establishing a big reputation for creating highly polished, immersive horror games, McDonald feels fortunate to work with such a talented audio team. It’s no coincidence that Supermassive’s games keep getting bigger and better, as the studio is honing its craft and learning more with each game it creates.
The Dark Pictures
The Dark Pictures Anthology is a franchise crafted by Supermassive Games, the same creative team that released Until Dawn. Similar to Until Dawn, the Dark Pictures Anthology includes a series of horror-inspired adventures that feature decision-making and an interactive narrative-driven experience. So far, the Dark Pictures has seen Little Hope, the House of Ashes, and The Devil in Me.
