The mobile dating simulator Love and Deepspace is currently hosting a crossover event with the 2017 film Blade Runner 2049, a decision that has ignited controversy among its player base. This comes at a time when the game has yet to recover from a previous incident where the developers removed and subsequently un-released a sixth potential love interest, Valko, following player backlash. Valko's dedicated fans have since boycotted spending in the game, demanding his return.
The Blade Runner 2049 event allows players to earn in-game currency and cosmetic items that recreate scenes from the film, notably the interaction between Ryan Gosling's character, K, and the holographic companion Joi. However, the narrative arc of K and Joi's relationship, which ends in Joi's destruction, has drawn sharp criticism from players. They perceive this theme as an uncomfortable parallel to Valko's removal from the game, suggesting the developers are either oblivious to the sensitivity of the situation or deliberately taunting the player base.
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration. Some find the game's messaging around "real love" particularly ironic given the ongoing dispute over Valko. Others have pointed out the thematic resonance between the game's commercialization of digital romance and Blade Runner 2049's own critical examination of manufactured relationships. This has led to speculation that the event is either an unfortunate coincidence or a calculated, if unwelcome, troll directed at the disgruntled community.
One theory suggests the event was planned long in advance, likely with Valko in mind, given the shared cyberpunk aesthetic between his character and the Blade Runner 2049 collaboration. The developers may have proceeded with the event despite Valko's removal due to sunk costs in marketing and development, leaving players with a thematically relevant but emotionally charged experience without the character they sought.
The Blade Runner 2049 tie-in also coincides with the upcoming Amazon TV series set in the same universe, Blade Runner 2099, which is slated for release next month. The timing of the crossover, alongside the game's existing player grievances, has amplified the negative reception.