Paradox Interactive's cancelled life sim, Life by You, continues to generate discussion, thanks to recently surfaced screenshots showcasing the game's development progress.
Life by You's Cancellation: A Look at Lost Potential
Fans Praise Visual and Character Model Improvements
Following the unexpected cancellation of Life by You, images from the project have emerged online, compiled by Twitter (X) user @SimMattically. These screenshots, sourced from the portfolios of former developers including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis (who detailed animation, scripting, and lighting work on his GitHub), offer a clearer picture of the game's potential.
While not drastically different from the final gameplay trailer, the screenshots reveal notable enhancements. Fans have expressed their disappointment at the game's cancellation, highlighting improvements in visuals, character customization options (with refined sliders and presets), and the overall atmospheric detail of the game world. The showcased outfits suggest a well-considered approach to seasonal variations. One fan commented on the lost opportunity, stating, "We were all superexcited and impatient; and then we all ended up extremely disappointed… :( Could have been a great game !"
Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, attributed the cancellation to significant developmental challenges. In a statement, he explained that the game was "lacking in some key areas," making a satisfactory release seem too distant and uncertain. CEO Fredrik Wester echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's dedication but acknowledging the impracticality of continuing 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 abrupt shutdown of development and the subsequent closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project, left fans disheartened.
