The sudden withdrawal comes just two days before the major Shanghai convention begins.
Love and Deepspace has pulled out of one of China's biggest gaming and pop culture events just days before it opens its doors, with the development team now offering to compensate fans who booked tickets and travelled to Shanghai specifically to see the game.
Announced on 8 July via the official Love and Deepspace website, the game will no longer participate in BilibiliWorld 2026, which takes place from 10 to 12 July at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai.
"After careful consideration, Love and Deepspace has decided not to participate in BilibiliWorld 2026. If you decide to cancel your trip to the event as a result, we have established relevant compensation rules to compensate you for any difference in cost that may result in a partial refund," the development team announced.
Hosted annually by Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili since 2017, BilibiliWorld has grown from its anime-focused roots into one of China's biggest subculture and entertainment conventions, bringing together games, anime, creators, and wider pop culture.
Why did Love and Deepspace cancel its BilibiliWorld 2026 appearance?
Love and Deepspace did not give a specific reason for pulling out of BilibiliWorld 2026, announcing its withdrawal just two days before the event begins.
The cancellation comes after a turbulent few weeks for Love and Deepspace following the controversy surrounding Valko, who was set to become the game's sixth love interest. The werewolf clan leader was revealed on 22 June before massive fan backlash, protests and harassment targeting Infold's offices led to the developer cancelling Valko's launch and all further development of the character on 30 June.
However, Love and Deepspace has not outright confirmed whether the Valko controversy and its withdrawal from BilibiliWorld 2026 are connected. The team instead acknowledged the enthusiasm and effort fans had already put into attending the event, saying it felt "sincere regret and guilt" that those expectations had fallen through because of its changes.
What will Love and Deepspace refund after cancelling BilibiliWorld 2026?
With the announcement coming only two days before BilibiliWorld 2026 begins, Love and Deepspace has established a compensation programme covering eligible fans who decide to cancel their trips.
Broadly, the scheme covers BilibiliWorld tickets, flights and train journeys to or from Shanghai, and hotel bookings in the city. Fans must have registered a Love and Deepspace account before 6.00 PM on 20 June, 2026, while their game account and relevant bookings must use matching real-name information. Players who successfully refund their BilibiliWorld tickets can apply to have the difference between the original price and refund amount covered. Those who are unable to complete the refund process and ultimately do not use their tickets can instead seek compensation for the lost ticket value.
Eligible flight and train bookings with Shanghai as a departure point or destination are also covered for travel between 8 and 13 July. Love and Deepspace has promised to compensate eligible cancellation or rescheduling fees, as well as ticket costs lost when a booking cannot be refunded. The scheme also covers eligible hotel bookings in Shanghai with check-in dates between 8 and 12 July, including cancellation fees and accommodation costs lost on non-refundable bookings.
Players will need to provide proof of their bookings, payments and any refund, cancellation or rescheduling costs when applying. Compensation applications will be handled through a questionnaire opening after BilibiliWorld 2026 officially concludes, at 12.00 AM on 13 July, with submissions accepted until 11.59 PM on 19 July. The full eligibility requirements, compensation rules and required documents can be found on the official Love and Deepspace website.
The team also confirmed that its BilibiliWorld 2026 merchandise, created using materials originally intended to be distributed at the event, will be sold to the general public at a later date.
