Infold, the developer of the mobile game Love and Deepspace, has cancelled plans to introduce Valko, also known as Ao Yin, as the game's sixth romance option following widespread player backlash. The werewolf-inspired character was unveiled in late June and had been scheduled to debut on July 9. However, on June 30, the studio announced that Valko would no longer be added to the game.
Developer Acknowledges Premature Introduction
In a statement shared on the official Love and Deepspace X account, Infold acknowledged that it had introduced the character prematurely. The developer said it had "moved forward with the introduction of Valko before we were truly ready," before confirming that "no additional love interests will be introduced in future content plans." The decision means the game's roster will remain limited to its original five romance options.
Player Criticism and Resource Allocation
Many players had criticised the addition of a sixth character, arguing that development resources should instead have been used to expand stories for the existing love interests. According to player discussions referenced in the original report, some fans noted that certain characters had gone more than 500 days without receiving a new story chapter.
Compensation and Community Reaction
As compensation for the cancellation, Infold said players who log in during the next 30 days will receive one free Deepspace Wish each day, totalling 30 free pulls. The controversy also reportedly extended beyond online discussions. According to reports circulating on Chinese social media and later shared on Reddit, some individuals allegedly mailed cow dung to Infold's offices. Fans reportedly also placed funeral chrysanthemums, banners and ritual cleansing items outside the company's headquarters near a Valko display. Those claims have not been independently verified. However, the report stated that the company reportedly increased security measures, while its Chinese social media accounts were said to have lost nearly one million followers. Despite the cancellation, some international players expressed disappointment and responded to Infold's apology by urging the developer to reinstate Valko as a future romance option.
