Life is Strange Double Exposure devs reveal why they brought Max back as a protagonist

The Life is Strange series has always been about ordinary people discovering extraordinary powers and how these powers help them navigate the complexities of life, especially trauma and fear. In the upcoming installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, fans are in for a treat as Max Caulfield, the original protagonist, returns to the spotlight.

At the Life is Strange: Double Exposure Interactive Panel Experience at PAX West 2024, fans got an exciting peek behind the curtain. When asked why they decided to bring Max back, Game Director Jonathan Stauder shared some insightful details. He explained that each Life is Strange game starts with the concept of a unique power that ties directly into the protagonist’s personal growth.

In Max’s case, her ability to Rewind time in the first game was a tool that reflected her desire to fix things and make everything right — a desire that ultimately forced her to face some gut-wrenching choices.

Max's new power and return as a protagonist

The new power introduced in Double Exposure — Shifting between two timelines — builds on this theme. Stauder mentioned that they wanted to explore how this new ability could examine "the issues she [Max] has as a result of the first game, and would actually help her move forward and grow by using the power." This new power allows Max to move between two versions of reality, aiding her in her mission of preventing a murder and, in the process, confronting her past traumas.

The Life is Strange series has always excelled at weaving supernatural elements into deeply personal stories. Whether it was Max’s time-rewinding in the original game, Chloe’s bulletproof resilience in Life is Strange: Before the Storm (which has a secret ending), or Daniel’s telekinesis in Life is Strange 2, the powers these characters possess are never just for show. They’re a means for the characters to explore their fears, traumas, and ultimately, their identities.

For Max, returning as the protagonist in Double Exposure isn’t just a nostalgic nod for fans; it’s a chance for her story to come full circle. The new game will challenge her in ways she’s never faced before, forcing her to navigate not just one, but two perilous timelines. As players, we’ll be there with her every step of the way, making tough choices and unraveling the mysteries that could either save or doom the people she cares about.

Mark your calendars for October 29, 2024, because Max Caulfield’s story is far from over. Life is Strange: Double Exposure is shaping up to be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with the kind of heart-wrenching decisions and supernatural intrigue that the series is known for. If you’ve been wondering what happened to Max after the events of the first game, this is your chance to find out.

Interested in picking up Life is Strange: Double Exposure? Check out our news piece Life is Strange fans will have to pay $20 extra to avoid spoilers for Double Exposure here at Pro Game Guides.