BEIJING: Rafayel’s girlfriends went all out to celebrate their lover’s birthday, renting malls across China for parties, decorating high-speed trains with his photos, and even staging a dazzling drone show. But the birthday boy was absent from every event — he’s a virtual character in the romantic mobile game “Love and Deepspace” that has won over millions of young women in China and beyond.

Launched last year, the game blends monster-hunting action with sometimes-raunchy cutscenes in a futuristic world where “love knows no bounds”, according to Shanghai-based developer Paper­games. And players are hooked on its realistic 3D character modelling, immersive narratives and the chance to build relationships with five distinct virtual boyfriends.

Since its release in Jan 2024, the game has earned more than $500 million worldwide on the Google Play store and Apple’s App Store. About 40 per cent of its revenue comes from overseas, market research firm Sensor Tower said.

For many, these virtual companions offer more than entertainment — they provide emotional fulfilment.

Liu Xue, a 25-year-old office worker, likens her connection with Rafayel to a real-life romantic relationship. “To myself, or to my inner circle of close friends, I would say that we are lovers,” she said at a birthday event in Beijing. “I don’t think I need company in real life.” He accompanies Liu daily, comforts her when she’s down — and even keeps her up-to-date on her menstrual cycle.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2025