Following the cancellation of Paradox Interactive's life simulation game, Life by You, new screenshots have surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the development progress made by the team.
Life by You Fans Reminded of Its Cancellation Once Again
Improvements in Visuals and Character Models Commended by Fans
Following the recent cancellation of Paradox Interactive's highly anticipated life simulation game, Life by You, new screenshots of the project have emerged on the internet. These images, shared by former developers and artists, were compiled on Twitter (X) by user @SimMattically. The artists involved include Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, who have showcased their work on their personal websites. Chris Lewis, on his GitHub page, provided insights into the development of animations, scripting, lighting, modder tools, shaders, and VFX for Life by You.
The shared images offer a detailed look at what Life by You could have been. Fans have noted that while the visuals do not differ drastically from the latest gameplay trailer, there are several commendable improvements. One fan expressed their feelings, saying, "We were all super excited and impatient; and then we all ended up extremely disappointed… :( Could have been a great game!"
The screenshots reveal outfits that appear to be part of the base game, designed to suit various weather cycles and seasons that might have been included in the game. The character customization options seem extensive, with improved sliders and presets. The in-game world appears even more detailed and atmospheric than in earlier trailers.
In a statement following the cancellation, Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja explained that the early access release was delayed due to the game being "lacking in some key areas." He stated, "It became clear to us that the road leading to a release that we felt confident about was far too long and uncertain."
Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester added, "Life by You had a number of strengths and the hard work of a dedicated team that went into realizing them. However, when we come to a point where we believe that more time will not get us close enough to a version we would be satisfied with, then we believe it is better to stop."
The cancellation of Life by You was unexpected, especially given the excitement surrounding its potential to rival EA's iconic "The Sims" series. The game was planned for release on PC, but development was abruptly halted, leading to the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project.