The romance game Love and Deepspace is the subject of a continued fan campaign to reinstate the character Valko, who was removed from the latest update. Valko, initially slated for a July 9 release, was canceled due to a negative reception from a segment of the Chinese player base. However, global players have rallied, employing social media, fan art, and charitable donations in an effort to reverse the decision. Expectations among these fans were high that their efforts might lead to Valko's inclusion on the originally planned date.
Following the update's release, it became clear that Valko had not been added. The character selection screen, which previously indicated Valko was "coming soon," now displays a blank space. Player responses have varied from heartbreak and anger to persistent hope, with many vowing to continue their advocacy. Unsubstantiated leaks have surfaced, purportedly detailing Valko's intended role in the game's narrative, alongside rumors of censorship affecting suggestive cutscenes.
Infold, the game's developer, had been silent on its official X account since July 1 but issued a statement addressing issues some users experienced with the new update. The initial decision to cancel Valko's integration was announced on June 30, just one week after his reveal and following an extensive teaser campaign. Infold's official statement not only confirmed Valko's removal but also declared that "No additional love interests will be introduced in future content plans."
Love and Deepspace currently features five love interests, with Valko intended to be the sixth. His introduction was planned as part of the game's Version 6 update, which also included enhancements to the Home 2.0 and AR Photobooth features. Rewards originally designated for a Valko-themed in-game event were instead distributed to all players as free items via in-game mail, alongside complimentary Deepspace Wishes.
Infold's official statement acknowledged, "After reflecting on recent events, we recognize that we moved forward with the introduction of Valko before we were truly ready." The developer added, "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."
The situation has been further complicated by regulatory scrutiny in China. The Ministry of Public Security News and Media issued a statement condemning a marketing scene depicting Valko on the main character's balcony, characterizing such content as potentially endangering public safety due to its disregard for public order and morality. This intervention has contributed to the controversy, despite many players having found Love and Deepspace to be educational regarding Chinese mythology and culture through its events and storylines.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Infold has canceled fan events in China and Japan and issued another public apology via the official Love and Deepspace account on Xiaohongshu. The apology stated, "We feel deeply ashamed. We have no excuses. We will engage in serious self-reflection, confront our own shortcomings directly, take responsibility proactively, and extend our sincerest apologies to everyone."
The game launched in January 2024 with three love interests: Rayfael, Xavier, and Zayne. Sylus was added in July 2024, followed by Caleb in January 2025. As of May, AppMagic reported that Love and Deepspace had surpassed 31 million downloads and generated over $1 billion in user spending.