200,000 Fans Petition After Papergames Shelves Valko

Papergames paused the planned introduction of Valko earlier this week. Valko was designed as a werewolf-themed romantic option for Love & Deepspace and was slated to be the game’s sixth love interest. The studio said it would concentrate development on existing characters and content.

The character drew criticism before the pause. Some players cited Valko’s appearance and his backstory as a former member of the game’s villainous faction. Separate allegations about the character also circulated among players during the debate.

An international petition calling for Valko’s reinstatement has gathered about 200,000 signatures. Organizers and many signatories say Papergames prioritized feedback from the game’s original Chinese audience over the views of international players. At the same time, some members of the game’s Chinese community expressed opposing views, creating a split among player groups.

Several fans have alleged coordinated campaigns pressured the developer to remove Valko from the update schedule. Other players who supported delaying or canceling his debut pointed to the character’s links to the villain faction and other concerns. Discussions about Valko have continued across social platforms where Love & Deepspace players gather.

Papergames described the decision as a pause to allow more focus on existing characters. The studio has not announced a timetable for reconsidering Valko or provided detailed reasons for the choice.

Love & Deepspace is an otome game that centers on romantic storylines and episodic character content. The title has active player communities in China and internationally. The petition and ongoing conversations online indicate the dispute remains unresolved among segments of the player base.