Supermassive Games, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology, is undergoing a leadership transition. The departure of CEO Robert Henrysson, who took the helm in 2024, marks the end of a significant chapter for the studio. Henrysson's time at the helm was marked by a focus on rebuilding the leadership team, sharpening the studio's strategy, and overseeing the completion and launch of Directive 8020, the latest installment in the Dark Pictures series. This game received the strongest critical reception in the series to date, reflecting the hard work and commitment of the entire Supermassive Games team.
However, the departure of Henrysson comes amidst a challenging period for the studio. Directive 8020, which was delayed from 2025 to 2026, failed to impress critics and players alike, scoring a 7/10 from Wccftech's reviewer and a 72 on Metacritic. Additionally, the studio recently went through a round of layoffs, which further underscores the challenges facing the gaming industry.
In his statement, Henrysson emphasized the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained during his time at Supermassive. He also praised the studio as the greatest storytelling game studio on earth, highlighting the passion and dedication of the team.
The transition to a new CEO, Graeme Law, is expected to be a smooth one, as the studio looks to move forward and build on its past successes. However, the departure of Henrysson serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the gaming industry, particularly in the wake of the recent wave of layoffs and the increasing competition from other media platforms.
From my perspective, the departure of Henrysson is a significant moment for Supermassive Games and the gaming industry as a whole. It underscores the importance of strong leadership and the need for studios to continuously innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Supermassive Games navigates the challenges ahead and builds on its rich history of storytelling and innovation.
