The cancellation of Paradox Interactive's life simulation game, Life by You, continues to resonate with fans. Recently surfaced screenshots, shared online by former developers, offer a poignant glimpse into the game's potential.
Life by You's Cancellation: A Look at What Could Have Been
Fan Appreciation for Visual and Character Model Improvements
Following the game's cancellation, screenshots from the portfolios of former artists—including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis—have appeared on Twitter (X), curated by @SimMattically. Lewis's GitHub page provides further insight into the animation, scripting, lighting, modding tools, shaders, and VFX development.
These images showcase significant advancements in Life by You's visuals. While not dramatically different from the final trailer, fans have highlighted notable improvements. One fan commented on the disappointment of the cancellation, emphasizing the game's unrealized potential.
The screenshots reveal detailed clothing options suitable for various weather conditions and seasons, suggesting a robust system for seasonal changes. Character customization appears extensive, featuring refined sliders and presets. The overall game world exhibits a higher level of detail and atmosphere than previously seen.
Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, explained the cancellation, citing shortcomings in key areas and an uncertain path to a satisfactory release. CEO Fredrik Wester echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's hard work but acknowledging the inability to reach a desired standard within a reasonable timeframe.
The cancellation surprised many, given the considerable anticipation surrounding Life by You, which was poised to compete with EA's The Sims franchise. The abrupt halt to development resulted in the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project.
