The cancellation of Paradox Interactive's 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 Enhancements
Following the game's unexpected cancellation, images from the portfolios of former artists (including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis) have surfaced on Twitter (X), compiled by @SimMattically. These screenshots, along with details from Chris Lewis's GitHub page (highlighting animation, scripting, lighting, mod tools, shaders, and VFX progress), paint a picture of significant development.
While the visuals aren't drastically different from the final trailer, fans have praised noticeable improvements. Comments highlight the detailed outfits suitable for various seasons, the enhanced character customization options (improved sliders and presets), and the richer, more atmospheric game world. One fan expressed the widespread 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 Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, explained the cancellation, citing the game's shortcomings in "key areas" and the uncertainty of reaching a satisfactory release within a reasonable timeframe. CEO Fredrik Wester echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's hard work but acknowledging the impracticality of continued development.
The cancellation surprised many, given the anticipation surrounding Life by You, a PC title intended to compete with EA's The Sims franchise. The abrupt halt in development led to the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project.
