Former Devs Showcase 'Life By You' Screenshots, Offering Glimpse of Lost Potential

Former developers of Paradox Interactive's cancelled life simulator, Life by You, have recently shared previously unseen screenshots online, offering a glimpse into the game's potential. These images, compiled on X (formerly Twitter) by @SimMattically, showcase the considerable progress made before the project's abrupt termination.

The leaked images, sourced from the portfolios of artists like Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, highlight significant advancements in visuals and character models. Lewis's GitHub page further details animation progress, scripting, lighting improvements, modder tools, shaders, and VFX work.

Fan reaction to the revealed screenshots has been a mixture of excitement and disappointment. While the visuals aren't drastically different from the final trailer, fans appreciate the noticeable improvements in character customization – including enhanced sliders and presets – and the increased detail and atmosphere of the game world. The showcased outfits also demonstrate attention to detail and seasonal variety. One fan commented on the bittersweet nature of seeing the game's potential unrealized.

Paradox Interactive's official statement cited a lack of confidence in reaching a satisfactory release within a reasonable timeframe as the reason for cancellation. Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja explained that key areas required further development, leading to an uncertain and prolonged path to release. CEO Fredrik Wester emphasized the team's hard work but acknowledged the decision to halt development was made to avoid releasing a subpar product.

The cancellation of Life by You, intended as a PC competitor to EA's The Sims, surprised many given the pre-release hype. The shutdown also resulted in the closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio responsible for the game's development. The released screenshots serve as a poignant reminder of what could have been.