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"Ex-Devs Share Life By You Screenshots, Revealing Missed Potential"

Authore: ZoeUpdate:May 23,2025

Following the unexpected cancellation of Paradox Interactive's eagerly awaited life simulation game, Life by You, the internet has been buzzing with recently surfaced screenshots from the project. These captivating images, shared by former developers and artists, offer fans a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been. Compiled on Twitter (now known as X) by user @SimMattically, the screenshots showcase the work of talented individuals such as Richard Kho, Eric Maki, and Chris Lewis, who have also displayed their contributions on their personal websites. Chris Lewis, in particular, provided detailed insights into the animation, scripting, lighting, modder tools, shaders, and visual effects on his GitHub page.

The shared images reveal a refined vision of Life by You, with visuals that, while not drastically different from the last gameplay trailer, have been noticeably enhanced. Fans have expressed their appreciation for these improvements, with one commenting, "We were all super excited and impatient; and then we all ended up extremely disappointed… :( Could have been a great game!" The base game's outfits displayed in the screenshots suggest a thoughtful design suited to various weather cycles and seasons, hinting at the potential depth of the game's world. Additionally, the character customization appeared to be extensive, featuring improved sliders and presets, while the in-game world itself looked more detailed and atmospheric than in earlier previews.

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

In the wake of the game's cancellation, Paradox Interactive's Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja stated that the early access release was postponed due to the game's shortcomings in crucial areas. "It became clear to us that the road leading to a release that we felt confident about was far too long and uncertain," Lilja explained. CEO Fredrik Wester further elaborated, acknowledging the strengths and the dedication of the team behind Life by You, but concluded, "when we come to a point where we believe that more time will not get us close enough to a version we would be satisfied with, then we believe it is better to stop."

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

The abrupt halt of Life by You's development, and the subsequent closure of Paradox Tectonic, the studio behind the game, came as a shock to many, especially considering the game's potential to compete with EA's iconic "The Sims" series. The cancellation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in game development and the difficult decisions companies must sometimes make.