Steam and PC··2 min read
Supermassive Lays Off 70 After Directive 8020 Release — What It Means for Buyers
Supermassive Games cut 70 jobs less than six months after releasing Directive 8020. The game received mixed reviews on Steam. Here's how it affects your purchase and payment options.

British studio Supermassive Games, known for horror titles like Until Dawn and The Quarry, has announced layoffs of 70 employees. This happened less than six months after the release of its new sci-fi horror game, Directive 8020. The game received mixed reviews on Steam. This news matters for those planning to buy or already owning the project: layoffs could affect future support and DLC.
What happened
According to Kotaku, Supermassive Games laid off 70 people. The exact reasons are not disclosed, but sources link it to insufficient sales and mixed reception of Directive 8020. The studio released the game in 2026, and less than half a year has passed since then.
Why it matters for buyers
Layoffs in the gaming industry are not uncommon, but they directly impact a game's fate. If a studio loses staff, it can slow down patch releases, DLC, and bug fixes. For those who bought Directive 8020 on Steam, this is a signal: support may weaken. If you haven't bought it yet, it might be worth waiting for discounts or reviews after updates.
How to pay for a Steam purchase from abroad
Russian cards don't work on Steam. If you want to buy Directive 8020 or another game, you need a virtual card from a foreign bank. Here's a step-by-step plan:
- Choose a virtual card service that issues Visa/Mastercard cards in USD or EUR. For example, VirtCardPay lets you create a card in minutes.
- Top up the balance for the purchase amount plus a buffer for fees and possible conversion. For a $40–60 game, keep $70–80 on the card.
- Link the card to Steam under 'Account' → 'Manage Wallet'. Enter your payment details and confirm.
- Buy the game . If Steam declines the payment, check that the card's region matches your account region and that there are enough funds.
Typical declines: region mismatch, insufficient funds, bank block. In such cases, contact the virtual card service support.
How much does Directive 8020 cost?
Check the current price on the game's Steam page. Supermassive's new releases typically cost around $40–60, but we can't give an exact figure without checking. Watch for sales: discounts may appear after layoffs to boost sales.
Layoffs at Supermassive are a wake-up call for fans. But if you're interested in the game, buying via a virtual card remains a working method.
FAQ
Can I buy Directive 8020 on Steam with a Russian card?
No, not directly. You need a foreign bank card or a virtual card.
What will happen to game support after the layoffs?
No official statements. Delays in patches and DLC are possible.
How to pay for the game with a VirtCardPay virtual card?
Create a card, top up the balance, link it to Steam, and pay for the purchase.
Service names, games, and franchises belong to their respective owners and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.
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