Following the cancellation of Paradox Interactive's life sim game, Life by You, screenshots of the axed project have recently surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the progress made by the developers.
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 eagerly awaited life simulation game, Life by You, new screenshots of the scrapped project have emerged online. These images were sourced from the portfolios of former artists and developers involved in the project, shared on Twitter (now known as X) by user @SimMattically.
The artists and developers featured in the tweet thread include Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, who have also showcased their work on their personal websites. On his GitHub page, Chris Lewis provided insights into the animation work, scripting, lighting, modder tools, shaders, and VFX developed for Life by You.
The screenshots shared on social media offered fans a closer look at what Life by You could have delivered. While the game's visuals were noted to be similar to those seen in the latest gameplay trailer, fans appreciated several enhancements. One fan expressed their sentiments, saying, "We were all super excited and impatient; and then we all ended up extremely disappointed… :( It could have been a great game!"
The images showcased base game outfits with interesting piece coordinations, suggesting potential integration with various weather cycles and seasons. The character customization appeared extensive, featuring improved sliders and presets. Moreover, the in-game world looked more detailed and atmospheric compared to earlier trailers.
In a statement following the game's cancellation, Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja explained that the early access release was delayed because the game was "lacking in some key areas." Lilja 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 came as a shock to many, especially considering the anticipation 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 game's cancellation and the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project.