This post is not easy for me to write. Please read it to the end - it truly means a lot to me.
More than four years ago, Live the Life entered Early Access. Since then, this project has been more than just a game for me - it became a part of my life. I often worked on it without weekends, sacrificing my personal time to bring my vision to life. The game went through a lot: changes, growth, new ideas, experiments. And of course, none of it would’ve been possible without you - those who played, wrote, supported, criticized, believed.
It’s hard to say, but the development of Live the Life is being paused for now.
This decision wasn’t made spontaneously. I’ve mentioned before that the announcement of Inzoi made me reflect on the online mode - it wasn’t the main reason, but it became the catalyst that made me realize something needed to change. And now, I want to share what I didn’t say back then:
Day by day, it became increasingly clear that I simply couldn’t handle it all alone anymore. One person can no longer effectively do everything: write code, test, fix bugs, create content, engage with the community and at the same time think about the future. More and more, I found myself thinking: to move forward, I need to expand.
Without a team, without specialists, without people to share the load with - there won’t be progress.
Things would be different if Live the Life were nearly complete - I wouldn’t even be having this conversation. But the truth is, to bring it to a truly finished, worthy state, I’d need at least as much time as I’ve already spent - again working solo and that’s assuming perfect working conditions.
The paradox is: I’ve hit my limit. I see where I need to go. I know what changes are required. But I no longer have the resources to take Live the Life to the next level. The amount of work has grown too much, and my possibilities and strength- too little. And I don’t just want to stay afloat - I want to create something truly powerful, something that evolves rather than stagnates.
Now I understand clearly: for the project to truly grow and evolve, my efforts alone are no longer enough. What’s needed is a real leap forward - and that means expansion in every sense: possibilities, resources and most importantly, a team. This isn’t just a wish - it’s a necessity. To build a truly strong product that can attract a wider audience and reach a new level, I need a team. People to share the workload. That would give the project the momentum it needs and finally open the door to a stable, confidently developing future.
But in order to build such a team, I need to create a product that can appeal to a broader audience, offering something unique and exciting. And I’ve found the balance: it lies in the potential of the game itself - it has every chance of becoming that product, starting from a clean slate and avoiding past mistakes. If I manage to attract a wider audience, I’ll be able to form a team and move forward with renewed strength to bring all my ideas to life.
I’ve decided not to fight the limitations anymore, but to go beyond them - and move forward in a new format.
Today, I’m announcing a new vision. This isn’t just a “transition.” This is my attempt to create something I’ve long dreamed of, but couldn’t realize within the framework of the old project. A fresh start - with a new approach, a new foundation, and, hopefully over time - a new team that I dream of building around it. I believe this new game can help expand the audience, make the experience deeper, more engaging and most importantly - complete and alive. It also creates an opportunity to grow a real team.
At first, this was going to be just an online mode - a part of the main project. But the deeper I went, the more I felt: it couldn’t fully unfold in that format. It’s no longer just an add-on - it’s its own thing, with its own potential, its own life. I realized that if I wanted to do it right, I had to give this idea its own space.
In this new game, all the ideas finally find their proper place and start working the way they should. Thanks to its online foundation, the project becomes more diverse and alive. What would’ve taken years of solo development in Live the Life is now being achieved faster and on a larger scale. But it’s not magic - it’s a different structure, a different pace and the right focus.
I know a lot of people might be wondering: why not continue the old game if you’re already working on the online one?
The answer is: resources. What has already been implemented in the new project would’ve taken at least two or three times more effort if I tried to integrate it into the old game. I’m pouring my last available resources into this step. And if I kept clinging to the old project - I might not have been able to finish anything at all. This decision isn’t about giving up - it’s about giving something truly big a real chance to grow. To be precise: I can already see that online offers a richer and more engaging gameplay experience than offline. The offline version would need years to achieve something like that."
I’m not ruling out coming back to the offline mode someday. I would really love to. But that will require more: team of professional who can implement good and deep mechanics, time and resources. And I want to be honest: this is not a promise - but it is a goal that I carry with me. Right now, I’m focusing every last bit of energy and opportunity on polishing this game. My goal is to fix every possible issue, perfect everything, and make sure the project meets the level of quality it deserves.
I’m not rushing the release of the new game, because I want it to be solid, complete and ready for players to truly enjoy. It’s important to me that this isn’t just a project, but a game that truly deserves attention and gives players the best possible experience.
For everyone who already owns Live the Life, the new game will be free. This is my way of saying thank you. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who ever supported the project. Who believed, who played, who shared their thoughts. Without you, none of this would exist.
I understand some of you might be unhappy with this decision. It wasn’t easy for me either. But sometimes, to survive - and more importantly, to grow - you have to let go of the past and take a risk. It’s a step on the edge. Maybe even a turning point. I’m risking a lot by making this shift. But I firmly believe it’s the right move - because it’s the best possible decision for this moment.
I believe in the new concept with all my heart. It opens up a real path to growth, development and the level this project truly deserves. I’m going all-in on this - and I’m doing it with full awareness.
If you resonate with my vision — I’ll be incredibly grateful for any support. Right now, more than ever, your involvement matters: spread the word, tell your friends, leave feedback, or simply stick around for this new chapter. It helps not only the project grow - but also keeps me going in the hardest moments. I genuinely want to keep developing the game, building a team, moving forward - and without your support, that would be so much harder.
Thank you for your understanding.
Allow me to introduce a new online project:
The Life Together Online
Live, socialize, create! The Life Together Online is a unique online life simulator where every character is a real player. Work, make friends, customize your home, attend parties and travel. Complete freedom - choose your path and become part of a living world!
Thank you! And see you in the new game. Niki the Developer
Live the Life Online | Multiplayer Announcement
"
Hello everyone
it’s me again. Once more, I’ve been away for quite a while, and I’d like to apologize for that. I’ve been fully immersed into a development of the next big step of the game. As you may have guessed from the title, this is an online mode. In this video, I’ll briefly talk about what to expect and why I decided to change course and transition to an online version. And i’ll start with that.
As you all know, a certain game is set to be released soon (at least sometime this year) - a game that was unexpectedly announced last year. I think you know which game I’m talking about. This game looks stunning, it looks exactly what I envisioned for Live the Life. It was announced at the time when I was finishing my work on my biggest update and had already planned out the roadmap. It was unexpected for me. Despite that, I released my update and shared my plans for the game’s future. But this game made me seriously rethink things.
I’ve come to realisation that I can’t compete with a such big game developer, no matter how ambitious I might be. However, I still want to give players a unique gaming experience. Over time, I began to reconsider my direction and shift toward creating an online-focused game. Before, throughout the development process, I thought how great it would be to give players the ability to immerse themself in this world with friends and other players. It genuinely felt like the game was “made” for multiplayer. I also frequently saw comments from players wishing for an online mode. Its all prompted me to think seriously about it - and eventually, I decided to take the plunge. I believe this shift benefits everyone"
Key points:
The game is transitioning to an online model;
Every city resident will be a real player (with the exception of some NPCs);
The city will be fully populated with new establishments, apartments, cafes, restaurants, and more. There will be no empty areas; every part of the city will have something to offer;
You will be able to work in shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. There will be interaction points with other players. For instance, you can order a cocktail at the bar, and the player-bartender will have to prepare it for you;
Each player will own an apartment on the server. You can even have neighbors;
You'll be able to visit other players' apartments and fully interact with everyone;
Additionally, there will be new mechanics and features;
The release is planned for this spring;
Everyone who purchases the game before the online launch will receive in-game bonuses in the online mode;
The game's price has been reduced because the monetization model will change slightly (this does not involve microtransactions, donations, NFTs, etc.);
Buying the game now will help secure quality servers;
Alpha testing will be conducted;
More information will be shared later with a full announcement.
Thank you for your patience and help. I'm still actively working on the game and want to release it from early access. If everything goes well, I hope to release it this year (but I don't promise as different things can happen). I'm working now so that this update will be as close to final form as possible, so that I can focus on fixing bugs and releasing it from early access.
Thank you again! Have a nice day, see you soon Bye!
Update 0.9.16 | Mexican Bar on Docks
The next place in the series of new spots. This is the Mexican bar you'll find on the docks. This series is dedicated to one event (update) for the game. I can't tell you about it yet, but I'm sure you will all really love it and it will help to reach more players and help the development of the game in general.
New Update 0.8.16 | New city spot
The latest update introduces a cozy new lounge bar on the pier, where live piano music sets a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy delicious cocktails in a stylish setting, perfect for unwinding.
I'm starting a series of updates with each of them adding new places in the city. I aim for one to two weeks each (barring force majeure). Eventually there will be new places after which there will be a new iteration of the series with the addition of other changes.
Also fixed a few other bugs, the main one being an incorrect mask on the character's body when removing clothes.
Small Update 0.7.16
Added NPC gym visits
Small Hotfix 0.7.15
Small update that fixes small bugs, such as: Icon and description of trait Gym Rat, changed clothing and body masks to fix clipping and other small fixes. Unfortunately, due to technical problems I've encountered, I'm getting such a small update. The situation should improve now. On the way is also a small update in which the NPC's will visit the gym
Pump it Up: Gym Update is here!
Hello everyone and it's me again!
The update is finally out! I'll tell you a little bit about it. The first update in an upcoming series of small updates. I've been managing to readjust, recover from the previous huge update, and am ready to work hard on my game again.
Here's what's new:
Gym
Added one gym to the city, it is located in Downtown, on the Ferris wheel side.
Available by subscription. To have access to the gym buy a subscription at the cashier. Select the desired period and make a purchase.
Muscle Group. Each muscle group will need to be trained separately (Neck, shoulders, biceps and triceps, lower arm, abs, back, gluteus maximus, legs and calves). For this purpose, the gym has a large number of various training machines and exercises.
Progression. Over time, you will get more physical form. You can monitor this in a special bar. And also the more you train - the more weight you lift
Treadmill. You can lose weight on it and also increase your stamina.
Your body. Your body can have different shapes that change dynamically. If you eat a lot and don't exercise, you gain weight. If you starve yourself constantly, you lose weight. If you exercise actively, you will see an improvement in muscle mass and shape.
and so on.
Note
Important to note - NPСs are currently cannot visit the gym. This will be added in the near future with hotfixes and patches. Unfortunately did not have time to realize it, but it's not a big problem.
As well as other points (bugs) to which I want to pay attention and which will be fixed in the near future:
Clipping Clothing Fix. Now a lot of clothes on the character and in the store are clipping. This will be fixed soon;
Camera lock fix after playing hunger animation, etc.;
Female character's position on the trainers;
White square on the Gym Rat trait in the character menu and also the text with the description of this trait pops up in the selection of the trait.
Write your opinion, also be sure to report bugs. Be sure to watch the video. I hope you like the update!
All the best, Niki
Fitness Club Announcement Video, Release Time and Details
Hello!
There was a brief informational pause, and here I am back with an announcement! The first update will be the gym that you will be able to visit.
Here's a little detail:
There will be a different exercise for each muscle group;
You can separately train your arms, back, etc., and visually the muscles you're working on are being developed;
To maintain your figure, you need to exercise regularly (if you wish);
If you eat a big amount of food you will gain weight, and vice versa - if you don't eat you will lose weight;
An additional trait related to the love of sports.
Wait for release day and everything will be shown in detail!
Also in this update will be additional fixes to the current version of the game. Due to life circumstances I have not had the opportunity to release minor updates - so I will release them with the next update.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Best regards, Niki
Live the Life Roadmap
Hello everyone!
Today I will tell you about the roadmap I prepared. I did not present it immediately after the release of the latest update because I wanted to give myself time to look at it from the side and to analyze it. During this time I changed my plans frequently, thought about the best way to do everything and so on. I set myself the goal of moving to the final version of the game and so I set myself a goals.
I had two starting paths: - family building, marriage, children, etc. - to fill the game with activities, jobs, business and everything that will allow the player to develop as a person, build a career and the ability to provide for himself and his future.
I chose the second option, and I will explain my choice. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that if we choose the first option, we will face such a problem: the player will be able to build a family, but he will not be able to do anything else, as well as his partner and children. As for me, we should give the player the opportunity to build a career, have a hobby, go to activities, even build a business to be able to provide for his family. And also for family members to have their own lives, hobbies, careers, etc.
Next, I will describe in details what I am planning to add. I'm writing in random order - it doesn't show the exact order of what I'm going to add. You should also keep in mind that things may change. And also a disclaimer: what I have told you about does not mean that the family etc. will be added at the end, I just mean that they will be added over time. It may seem too ambitious, but in my defense, I'm confident in my skills, since I've already added the most complicated mechanics in past updates.
Some screenshots are taken from other sources from the internet and are not screenshots from the game
Honorable Mention
A slight digression
Improve the cooking system. I really want to change this mechanic. Now it is frankly bad, complicated and not understandable. I want to simplify it so that it brings pleasure and benefits to the player. To do this, I want to add recipe books that can be purchased in the bookstore, as well as it will give additional opportunities, including in the open world (detailed below).
Mocap. One of my goals is to get a mocap with which I can record my own animations. At the moment the animations are bought from third-party companies or made by me by hand. Their quality is low right now. It honestly bothers me, because animations affect the feel of the game and my abilities to add new content. High-quality animations change and enhance the game. And as I will have financial possibilities - I will definitely buy this gear. It will help further updates and will help me in development.
Gym
Probably one of the most popular activities that people ask about.
You will be able to visit the gym, choose a specific equipment with which you can train your strength and stamina. A system of weight gain, gaining muscles, losing weight, etc. will be added. The gym will also allow (in the future) additional opportunities, like adding a career related to the sport, as well as being able to fight, etc. And this will form a lot of variations. Being a boxer? An athlete? Sounds interesting. The place where the gym will be is already chosen and I can't wait to add it.
Pier
I want to make this place a cool location with entertainment and bars. To shine colorful lights at night, be able to play various games in which you can win different gifts, and in general have a good time.
Bar. In this location I would like to add a Latin bar, with incredible Latin music, delicious cocktails, with a fun atmosphere, etc
Street games and food. Add stalls where you can buy fast food (hot dog, etc.), play games where you can win a gift.
Seafood Market. Port Anthony is a seaside city, and the food should be relevant, so I would like to add a place where you can come and buy fresh seafood. Before that, of course, the cooking system needs to be improved.
Cafe. Adding a restaurant with seafood dishes I think is a good idea too. Have the opportunity to eat delicious dishes. Possibly adding a job ( based on John Diener's model) - but that's not for sure yet
Real estate properties. New apartments in the area with a view of the Ferris wheel and also an apartment in a new building with floor-to-ceiling windows.
A modern sports center/park
In this place I had originally envisioned a center where players can play sports games (inspired by the New York area), as well as a park where you can also spend time. The way the place looks now is just a temporary solution. It will be changed in the future to suit the current needs.
Basketball
The game that I've been planning to add to the game for a very long time. The concept has been around since the very first version of the game. To avoid misunderstandings, it will not be a full game with full teams, etc. but rather a simplified version of it in which you can have fun with challenges, etc. There are some other ideas, but I won't tell you about them to avoid false promises.
Docks
Art Center/Museum of Modern Art
The cultural part of the city is as important as other parts of the city. In this place I want to make an art center in which will be shown works of art and also where you can also spend your time.
Additional activities
Camera
Adding a phone camera with which you can take pictures of you and your surroundings. Also adding an activity in the city with which you will need to use the camera to capture the city's places of interest and read information about them (for example, Watch Dogs).
Jobs
Postal work. Receive parcels, organize and sort them, do courier work, delivering parcels to apartments, etc
Courier. Run courier tasks. Classic courier job. You receive items at point A and take them to point B to the customer. Has a common mechanics with the work at the post office. You can paralely do your things and job
Working in a hospital. Work in a medical institution. Career growth, etc.
Police work. Working in a police department. Career growth, etc.
Real estate/Apartments
I am planning to add a lot of apartments that you will be able to purchase. Also added the possibility of renting out your apartment (as long as there is an additional apartment in which you can live). The most luxurious and expensive apartment will be in this residential complex (photo below)
Housekeeping
I plan to add mechanics with which the apartments, toilets, showers, etc. will eventually get dirty, thus the player will have to do cleaning. A corresponding characer trait will be added. Also will be added utilities for water and electricity, non-payment of which will lead to the disabling of water or electricity.
Pets
One of my most anticipated updates with which you will be able to get a pet (cat, dog). Accordingly feed it, care for it, etc.
Facilities
Bars, clubs and cafes. The goal is to add 2-3 establishments in each category, meaning 2-3 clubs and about 3 different bars (including the previously mentioned one on the pier) that will be different in vibe and style. Will add more variety and choice where to spend your free time.
Stores. Adding small stores in all areas of the city, so that the player has anywhere access to basic necessities (including pharmacies)
Bookstore. This store will provide an opportunity to purchase recipes and other sources of information, which can also be used to give as gifts to characters.
Laundromat. The return of a laundromat where you can wash your clothes. Adding mechanics for dirtying clothes
Flower store. You can buy fresh flowers for a gift or yourself
Park activities
I plan to add activities to the parks which you can do while in them.
Relationships
Parties. Throw a party in your house and invite your friends and family there. Choose the type of party, dress code, time and day and start a cool party.
Living together . Suggest to your love partner to share a common household and start cohabitation. You will not be able to control your partner, but you will be able to ask for things
Wedding Ceremony
Will be available after adding party and co-habitation. Have the wedding of your dreams. Choose your favorite place where you want to hold the ceremony, select your guests, time and date. A jewelry store is planned to be added.
Family. At the moment, I don't have a concrete option yet on how exactly the family management will be done
Children and the life cycle
With this update, the ability to have children will be added, having them grow and mature while you take care of them. It also means adding he cycle of life, aging and death
In this post I have not mentioned very minor changes that will be needed and will need to be added over time, including improved dialog features, etc. These are the basics that I will build on. This genre allows to add an infinite number of mechanics, but it is necessary to approach wisely and select the core elements (which I'm planning to do). And further prepare the game for a full release. I will release a couple of patches to fix current bugs and I will start implementing the above ideas.
Thank you for your attention, Peace be with you all Niki
