Recently surfaced screenshots, shared by former developers, offer a poignant glimpse into the potential of Paradox Interactive's cancelled life simulator, Life by You. The images highlight the significant progress made before the project's abrupt termination.
Life by You's Cancellation: A Fresh Wound for Fans
Visual and Character Model Enhancements Impress Fans
Following Paradox Interactive's announcement cancelling Life by You, new screenshots have emerged online, compiled by Twitter (X) user @SimMattically. These images, sourced from the portfolios of former artists and developers including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis (who detailed animation, scripting, and lighting processes on his GitHub), showcase a refined version of the game.
While not drastically different from the final gameplay trailer, the screenshots reveal notable improvements. Fans have expressed their disappointment at the cancellation, highlighting the game's considerable potential. One fan commented, "We were all incredibly excited, then utterly disappointed… :( It could have been amazing!"
The screenshots detail impressive clothing options, seemingly designed for varied weather conditions and seasons. Character customization appears extensive, boasting enhanced sliders and presets. The overall game world exhibits a richer level of detail and atmosphere compared to previous trailers.
Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, explained the cancellation, citing the game's shortcomings in "key areas" and the uncertainty of reaching a satisfactory release within a reasonable timeframe. 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, a PC title intended to compete with EA's The Sims franchise. The project's sudden halt resulted in the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio responsible for its development.
