Life By You: Leaked Screenshots Hint at Ambitious Plans

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

The recent cancellation of Paradox Interactive's Life by You continues to resonate with fans. Newly surfaced screenshots, shared by former developers on platforms like Twitter (X) and personal websites, offer a glimpse into the game's progress and potential.

The images, compiled by @SimMattically, showcase the work of artists and developers including Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis. Lewis's GitHub page provides further insight into animation, scripting, lighting, mod tools, shaders, and VFX development.

While the visuals aren't drastically different from the final trailer, fans have highlighted notable improvements. The screenshots reveal more detailed character models with enhanced customization options, including improved sliders and presets. Clothing options appear more diverse and seasonally appropriate. The overall game world also boasts a richer, more atmospheric presentation.

Paradox Interactive's explanation for the cancellation cited shortcomings in key areas and an uncertain path to a satisfactory release. Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja stated the time required to reach a confident release point was deemed too extensive and unpredictable. CEO Fredrik Wester emphasized the team's hard work but acknowledged the decision to halt development was made when a satisfactory product seemed unattainable within a reasonable timeframe.

The cancellation surprised many, given the anticipation surrounding Life by You and its potential to rival EA's The Sims franchise. The abrupt closure also resulted in the dissolution of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the project. The released screenshots serve as a poignant reminder of the game's unrealized potential and the dedication of the development team.