Full Breakdown
Love and Deepspace Cancels Valko Amid Player Backlash
7/3/2026, 1:13:16 AM
The Cancellation Decision
On 30 June 2026, Papergames (Infold Games) announced the permanent cancellation of Valko, a sixth male love interest slated for the Version 6.0 update on 9 July 2026. The statement also confirmed that no additional love interests will be added to Love and Deepspace moving forward.
Background and Player Concerns
Since its January 2024 launch, Love and Deepspace has featured five male protagonists—Xavier, Rafayel, Zayne, Sylus and Caleb. Players complained about long periods without new story content and feared a new lead would divert resources. Valko’s werewolf design, alleged Unit 731 references, and a teaser depicting home intrusion sparked criticism, especially among Chinese fans.
Official Response
Papergames posted an apology on X, Weibo and other channels, acknowledging that the team had introduced Valko before being fully prepared. Studio pledged to develop the five existing love interests, keep Home 2.0 and AR Photobooth, and grant in-game items plus 30 Deepspace Wishes over month.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans staged protests, sending flowers, candles and even cow dung to Papergames’ Shanghai office. A petition for Valko’s return gathered about 42 000 signatures. Critics called move a “bait-and-switch,” saying promotion encouraged spending on a release that never arrived.
On-the-Ground Fan Memorials
Players gathered at Infold’s Shanghai headquarters for a makeshift funeral, lighting candles and placing bouquets. Videos of ceremony spread widely on social media.
Data & Statistics
AppMagic reported over 31 million downloads and more than $1 billion in user spending as of May 2026. Cancellation caused a loss of “millions of followers” on official accounts within days. The Valko petition reached 42 000 signatures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the character’s name—some use “Valko,” others “Ao Yin.” While many cite design and safety concerns, others point to the Unit 731 reference as the primary trigger. Exact follower-loss figures remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After reflecting on recent events, we recognize that we moved forward with the introduction of Valko before we were truly ready.” — Infold Games, official statement
- “In doing so, we let down the players who have supported us from the start, and we also fell short of delivering the experience that players anticipating Valko deserved.” — Infold Games, official statement
- “Removing Valko from the game is NOT an acceptable solution. I am deeply disappointed to see Infold choose to erase a long-awaited LOVED character.” — Fan on social media
- “Players discovered an in-game file labeled 0731, which many associated with Unit 731, the infamous Imperial Japanese military unit responsible for biological warfare and human experimentation during World War II.” — EGW News reporting
What’s Next
Papergames confirmed that future updates will expand the storylines of Xavier, Rafayel, Zayne, Sylus and Caleb while delivering the remaining Version 6.0 content. Studio will continue to monitor community feedback and will distribute the promised Deepspace Wishes via in-game mail over next 30 days.
