Life By You Screenshots Shared by Former Devs Provide Glimpse of What Could've Been

The cancellation of Paradox Interactive's life simulation game, Life by You, continues to resonate with fans. Recently surfaced screenshots, compiled from the online portfolios of former developers like Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, offer a poignant glimpse into the game's potential. Lewis's GitHub page even details animation processes, scripting, and technical aspects like lighting, shaders, and VFX.

Life by You's Cancellation: A Look at What Could Have Been

Fan Appreciation for Visual and Character Model Enhancements

The images reveal a level of detail surpassing earlier trailers. While not drastically different from the final gameplay preview, fans have highlighted notable improvements. The attention to detail in character outfits, suggesting seasonal variations, and the enhanced character customization options with refined sliders and presets have been particularly praised. One fan expressed their disappointment, stating, "We were all superexcited and impatient; and then we all ended up extremely disappointed… :( Could have been a great game !"

Paradox Interactive's explanation for the cancellation cited significant shortcomings requiring extensive further development. Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja stated the game was "lacking in some key areas," making the path to a satisfactory release "far too long and uncertain." CEO Fredrik Wester echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's dedication but acknowledging the impracticality of continuing development.

The abrupt cancellation surprised many, given the anticipation surrounding Life by You, a PC title intended to compete with EA's Sims franchise. The closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project, further underscored the finality of the decision.