Paradox Interactive's cancelled life simulator, Life by You, continues to stir conversation, thanks to recently surfaced screenshots showcasing the game's impressive development progress.
Life by You's Cancellation: A Fresh Wave of Disappointment
Fans Praise Visual and Character Model Enhancements
The unexpected cancellation of Paradox Interactive's Life by You has reignited fan discussion, fueled by new screenshots circulating online. These images, compiled on Twitter (X) by @SimMattically, originate from the portfolios of former developers including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, who also shared details on their personal websites. Lewis's GitHub page, for instance, provides insights into animation, scripting, lighting, modder tools, shaders, and VFX development.
The revealed visuals offer a more detailed look at Life by You's potential. While not drastically different from the final gameplay trailer, fans have highlighted notable improvements. One user expressed the widespread sentiment: "We were all so excited, then incredibly disappointed... :( It could have been amazing!"
The screenshots reveal refined character customization with enhanced sliders and presets, along with intricately detailed outfits suitable for diverse weather conditions and seasons. The overall game world appears richer and more atmospheric than previously shown.
Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, previously explained the cancellation, citing the game's "lacking key areas" and the uncertainty of a timely, high-quality release. CEO Fredrik Wester echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's dedication but acknowledging the impracticality of further development.
The cancellation surprised many, given the anticipation surrounding Life by You's potential as a competitor to EA's Sims franchise. The abrupt halt in development led to the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project.
