Love And Deepspace Drama Continues As Chinese Government Indicates New Love Interest Is Gone For Good
Love and Deepspace continues to generate controversy following the rapid cancellation of Valko, the game’s planned sixth love interest. Developer Papergames introduced the character but quickly removed it, triggering widespread fan backlash and sustained petitions for the character’s return.
The drama has escalated with significant business consequences. Papergames has announced it will withdraw Love and Deepspace’s presence from BilliBilli World 2026, one of Asia’s largest anime and gaming conventions. This decision signals a major shift in the studio’s promotional strategy and underscores the severity of the situation.
The incident intensified during last week’s Anime Expo, where Valko’s absence was reportedly felt acutely by the fanbase. Reports suggest that Chinese government involvement may have contributed to the character’s permanent removal, with indications that Valko is “gone for good.” The exact reasons for the character’s cancellation remain unclear from available information, though the swift decision and government involvement suggest potential regulatory or compliance concerns.
The Love and Deepspace controversy stands apart from typical gaming discourse, unrelated to the game’s mature content or gacha mechanics. Instead, it centers on character availability and business decisions that have reverberated through the gaming community. The developer’s convention withdrawal suggests Papergames is managing significant community relations challenges stemming from this decision.