Paradox Interactive's cancelled life sim, Life by You, continues to spark discussion, thanks to recently surfaced screenshots showcasing the game's development progress.
Life by You's Cancellation: A Look at Lost Potential
Fans React to Newly Revealed Screenshots
Following the unexpected cancellation of Life by You, images from the game's development have emerged online, compiled by Twitter (X) user @SimMattically. The collection features work from former developers including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, who also shared their contributions on personal websites and portfolios. Lewis's GitHub page, for instance, details animation, scripting, and work on lighting, modding tools, shaders, and VFX.
The screenshots offer a more detailed look at the game's potential. While not drastically different from the final trailer, fans have highlighted noticeable improvements in various aspects. One fan expressed their disappointment, highlighting the game's unrealized potential.
The images reveal refined character outfits suitable for diverse weather conditions and seasons, suggesting a robust seasonal system. Character customization appears significantly enhanced, with improved sliders and presets. The overall game world displays a richer level of detail and atmosphere compared to earlier previews.
Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, previously stated that the early access delay stemmed from the game's shortcomings in "key areas." The decision to cancel the project was attributed to the uncertainty and length of time required to reach a satisfactory release version. CEO Fredrik Wester echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's dedication but ultimately concluding that further development wouldn't yield a product meeting their standards.
The cancellation of Life by You, intended as a PC competitor to EA's The Sims franchise, surprised many. The abrupt closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the game, followed shortly after.
