Shortly after developer Papergames announced the addition of Valko–a new love interest in the mobile action dating sim Love and Deepspace–the backlash from fans has spilled into the real world. Now, Papergames is reversing course by canceling Valko’s debut and pledging to focus on the five other love interests who are already in the game.
“We recognize that we moved forward with the introduction of Valko before we were truly ready,” reads the statement posted to Love and Deepspace’s Instagram account. “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. After extensive internal discussions … we have decided to cancel both the launch and any further development of the new love interest. We also commit that no additional love interests will be introduced in future content plans.”
According Gaming on Phone, angry players made their displeasure about Valko’s arrival known by targeting Papergames’ headquarters in China with cow dung that was delivered to the company’s lockers. White and yellow chrysanthemums–which represent funerals and mourning in Chinese culture–were also delivered. As a further insult, glutinous rice, and pomelo leaves–both of which are used in cleansing rituals–were delivered as well.
The outlet also notes that Love and Deepspace lost approximately 1 million followers on Chinese social media since the unveiling of Valko. One of the primary complaints was that Papergames wasn’t delivering new story content or developing the characters of the five male love interests who were already in the game. In addition, many fans voiced complaints that the game, at times, felt like it catered too heavily toward whales, and said that they wanted improvements to how you’re able to farm in-game resources.
In gacha games–like Love and Deepspace–or any type of live service game, a “whale” is a term used to describe a person who drops such a large amount of money on microtransactions, that they effectively keep the game afloat. The average user has been worried that the Love and Deepsace team caters too heavily toward these big spenders, and in an attempt to incentivize whales to drop even more money, the game is making everything too pricy for everyone else.
Despite the online (and offline) vitriol for him, there are apparently plenty of players who are now disappointed by Valko’s cancellation. Replies left on Instagram have called for Valko to be released on Love and Deepspace.