This wolf is heading back into the forest. 

Game developer Papergames is officially cancelling the launch of Love and Deepspace’s sixth Love Interest: Valko. In a social media post on Twitter/X today (30 June), Papergames apologised to players and stated that it had “moved forward with the introduction of Valko before we were truly ready” and was cancelling “both the launch and any further development of the new love interest.”

Additionally, the developer has confirmed that no further Love Interests will be added to Love and Deepspace. Valko was originally set to launch with the game’s upcoming Version 6.0 update on 9 July, 2026. 

Why did Love and Deepspace cancel its sixth Love Interest Valko?

Game developer Papergames is rolling back the release of its recently-revealed new Love Interest Valko. Valko was originally announced on 22 June, 2026, as the game’s first new Love Interest since the release of Sylus and Caleb in Version 2.0 and Version 3.0, respectively. Hence, Valko’s arrival would have marked a major milestone for the game. 

Sadly, the werewolf is no more. In its official announcement, Papergames acknowledged “issues that have surfaced since the announcement of Version 6.0,” though it stopped short of clarifying exactly what these issues are. Following “extensive internal discussions”, the developer is now issuing a list of changes to the planned contents of Version 6.0. 

First off, Valko’s launch, and any further development of his related content, have been permanently cancelled. No additional Love Interests will be introduced to the game in future content updates, either, making Caleb the game’s final Love Interest. 

Version 6.0’s other new features, including an update to the Home system, an AR Photobooth, and a limited-time Selectable 5-Star Memory Rate-Up Event, will continue as planned. However, the rewards included in the planned Hunt in Linkon event–ranging from outfits to the Nighthush Box–will now be delivered to all players via in-game mail for free. 

Papergames also assured players that it is now focusing on developing stories and long-term “companionship experiences” related to the game’s existing cast of Love Interests, meaning that players can expect more new content for their favourite characters in the future. A 30-day daily log-in event is also being held starting from today, granting players one Deepspace Wish per day. 

Papergames ended its statement by apologising to Love and Deepspace players, saying that “the joy you should have found in Linkon City became a source of distress, and the feelings you hold most dear were hurt. We are deeply sorry for the hurt and disappointment we have caused.”

The developer also promised to listen to its players “more carefully” and thanked them for their feedback, trust, and encouragement. “We hope to repay that love with even more and even better content in the days to come,” the developer said. 

Love and Deepspace Valko controversy explained

Valko’s initial reveal was met with no small amount of controversy among the Love and Deepspace playerbase. The initial reactions (which we covered here) ranged from instant love to outright dislike, with fans from China going so far as to call for a passionate boycott of the game. On 28 June, Papergames held a livestream to showcase content for the upcoming Version 6.0 update, which included a better look at Valko in-game. 

Unfortunately, this only exacerbated the issue. While global players (Papergames Games publishes Love and Deepspace outside of China) seemed to be getting warmer on the notion of Valko as a new Love Interest, some Chinese players were only getting more frustrated at various issues surrounding the game. 

The backlash surrounding Valko’s inclusion is just one factor that has led to ongoing frustration growing within the game’s playerbase. Reportedly, players have also become disillusioned by the game’s slow content updates, lack of resources, and poor communication. The introduction of Valko himself was not received well in the region, with angry comments left on the game’s official Weibo account criticising his design heavily. 

Things took a turn in recent days, as Papergames put up a Valko-themed display outside its headquarters in China, which was reportedly met with extreme levels of protest. A Reddit post summarising the situation states that curse banners, items associated with cleansing rituals like pomelo leaves, flowers associated with funerals, and even cow dung were left in the company’s delivery lockers. 

Valko only appears to have been the straw that has broken the camel’s back for players in China, but these sentiments are not universally shared. 

Reactions to Valko’s cancellation in Love and Deepspace

Comments on Love and Deepspace’s English account are widely negative, criticising the developer’s decision to cancel Valko’s release. One user writes: “If u really decide to cancel valko because of some really really disgusting human beings prepare to lose all of us. U didnt even give him a chance. Worst company to ever exist.”

Another user offers a more balanced response: “Why not keep Valko, up the rewards, commit to no more future LIs and actually releasing content for all 6 guys at a more regular pace including free content?”

Fans looking to participate in the upcoming Los Angeles-set Anime Expo 2026 have also been affected by Valko’s cancellation. The character was set to appear in a Valko-themed Love and Deepspace booth at the event. While Papergames has assured that anyone who secured a spot for Valko’s Interactive Sessions, an event activity featuring the ill-fated Love Interest, will retain their spot, Valko will be removed from the rest of the event. 

While one side of the playerbase is pleased with Valko’s cancellation, another side appears to have been spurned by Papergames’ decision. This situation is developing.