Controversy costs Love and Deepspace money now

The world of gacha gaming is facing a sudden, dramatic downturn, as the popular dating simulation Love and Deepspace experienced its worst financial month to date. What was once a reliable source of monthly revenue of between $30 and $60 million has plummeted in July to just $10.3 million, marking a staggering 73% drop compared to the previous month.

This sharp decline can be traced directly to a polarizing decision made by the developers: the cancellation of Valko, which was slated to be the game’s sixth love interest. The move sent shockwaves through the community, illustrating how quickly enthusiasm can turn into public dissent.

The reaction to Valko was anything but uniform. While some fans were eager for the ruggedly handsome tech CEO and werewolf clan leader, others actively protested the decision, petitioning the developers to include him in the game. This divide highlighted a deeper tension between fan desires and creative direction, with dissenters raising concerns that focusing on a new character would detract from the established storyline and existing beloved characters.

The drama escalated beyond the gaming sphere when developer Papergames decided to pull their participation from major events like BilliBilli World 2026. This shift drew unwanted attention from external forces, notably involving the Chinese government, which took aim at Valko’s promotional slogans, which included lines perceived as promoting home intrusions and sexual assault.

“What’s wrong with letting a wolf into the house?” Valko’s text was featured, sparking immediate controversy. A representative from the Ministry of Public Security News and Media issued a stern warning, stating that this type of entertainment disregards public order and morality and may endanger public safety.

The government has since used the situation as a broader warning to other game studios: any content that deliberately blurs the lines of illegality or glorifies dangerous behavior will face removal. This indicates that Papergames may soon find themselves facing an exodus from their community.

The message is clear: boundaries are being drawn, and while the demand for engaging entertainment remains high, the rules governing what can be shared are becoming increasingly strict in the digital age.