Love and Deepspace: The Virtual Romance Capturing Hearts in Singapore

In the bustling city of Singapore, a growing number of individuals are finding solace and excitement in a virtual world of romance and combat. Love and Deepspace, a free-to-play mobile game launched in January 2024 by Chinese developer Papergames, has taken the gaming community by storm, blending sci-fi fantasy with intimate storytelling. For players like Sheri, a designer and mother in her early 30s, the game offers a daily escape to interact with idealized characters like Sylus—a tall, muscular, and charismatic virtual bachelor who feels almost real.

A New Kind of Romance

Love and Deepspace stands out in the realm of mobile gaming, particularly within the “otome” genre—Japanese for “maiden”—which targets female players with romance-focused narratives. Unlike traditional romance fiction where readers are mere observers, this game immerses players as the female lead in a futuristic storyline. They battle monsters and build relationships with one of five meticulously designed 3D male characters. The emotional connection feels personal, as players progress through dates and shared challenges, deepening virtual bonds that can influence in-game combat strength.

Since its launch, the game has amassed over 50 million users worldwide and generated more than US$500 million in revenue through in-app purchases on platforms like Google Play and Apple’s App Store. In Singapore, its popularity is evident in the growing online communities, such as the Instagram account Deepspacebb_and_me, which ballooned from 100 followers in October 2024 to over 700 by early 2025, alongside hundreds more on TikTok and Xiaohongshu.

Emotional Bonds and Real-World Impact

For many, the game transcends entertainment, offering emotional support akin to real relationships. Sheri, who logs in twice daily for 10 to 20 minutes to complete tasks like prompting her character to exercise, spends up to US$300 monthly on virtual currency for in-game items. Her husband, known only as Mr. Tan, supports her hobby as long as spending remains reasonable. “I am all right with this hobby of hers, as long as she keeps her spending under control” he shared.

Others, like 28-year-old business analyst Yuka, have found unexpected real-world benefits. Since a feature encouraging workouts with virtual love interests was introduced in April 2024, Yuka credits the game with helping her lose approximately 20 kilograms over a year. “It feels nice to have company while exercising” she said, noting that while other factors contributed to her weight loss, the game’s consistency was a key motivator.

Experts weigh in on why such games resonate deeply. Dr. Kenji Gwee, a senior lecturer in psychology at the National University of Singapore, explained that the neurochemical responses from interacting with virtual characters can foster a sense of closeness and fulfillment. “With the idea of dating multiple attractive characters in a fantasy setting without the hassles of real life, it is easy to see why the game brings joy to many” he noted.

The Allure of Merchandise and Gacha

Beyond gameplay, Love and Deepspace has spurred a thriving market for merchandise. Sheri owns two 75cm dolls customized to resemble her favorite characters, Sylus and Rafayel, costing her a total of US$3,500. Fans also express their devotion publicly—content creator Syafiqa Noor collaborated with the Deepspacebb_and_me group to fund a US$1,300 promotional banner outside 313@Somerset mall during Valentine’s Week 2025. With Sylus’ in-game birthday on April 18, she plans to rent the same billboard again.

The game’s gacha system—a lucky draw mechanic where players spend virtual currency for a chance at rare items like character outfits—is a significant draw. Dr. Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist from Dr. BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness, described it as “psychologically sticky.” He explained, “When players don’t get what they want but feel like they were close, it activates a powerful reward loop.” This often fuels further spending in pursuit of the elusive “win.”

A Double-Edged Sword

While the game brings joy and confidence to players like Syafiqa, who finds her interactions with Sylus uplifting, experts caution against potential downsides. Dr. Gwee shared the story of a patient, a white-collar executive, who spent tens of thousands on a video game in mere months, sacrificing family holidays and bonuses. Such cases highlight the risk of addiction when virtual rewards overshadow real-life priorities.

Yet, for many in Singapore, Love and Deepspace remains a cherished escape. Syafiqa, who is single, values the vulnerability the game allows. “Players can unload their emotions” she said, reflecting on how it prompts deeper thoughts about human connections. As this virtual romance phenomenon grows, it raises intriguing questions about the evolving intersection of technology, emotion, and personal fulfillment in modern life.