Supermassive Cuts 70 Jobs Just Months After Launching New Sci-Fi Horror Title

Supermassive Games is undergoing a significant reduction in workforce following the release of Directive 8020 earlier this year. Today, the studio announced the departure of 70 employees, including the head of IT, who was also let go.

Frank Tindle shared his experience on LinkedIn, stating, “I joined in 2010 as the entire IT department and leave as IT & Facilities Director and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Over the years, the studio expanded from just a few of us to over 400. What I’m most proud of is the people—past and present—who have made this journey incredible over the last sixteen years.”

He added, “Today isn’t just about my departure. More than 70 talented individuals are leaving Supermassive: developers, artists, producers, QA, operations, and more. Any studio would be fortunate to have them. If you’re hiring, feel free to reach out, and I’ll connect you.”

Supermassive Games is recognized for creating interactive horror experiences where player choices shape the narrative, including titles like The Quarry, The Casting of Frank Stone, and The Dark Pictures Anthology. While these games may not have achieved blockbuster status or received stellar reviews, they have consistently attracted a dedicated fanbase among horror aficionados.

Directive 8020 featured some of the studio’s most memorable horror moments, but it was also criticized for its writing and the absence of online co-op. Recently, Supermassive announced that online multiplayer would finally be added in a patch set for release in October, nearly five months post-launch.

The studio had previously indicated that layoffs were on the horizon back in August, stating, “This is a necessary step to help ensure the sustainability of the company.” While the beloved horror title Until Dawn is set to receive a sequel in 2027, the project has been handed over to the PlayStation studio Firesprite.