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Chengdu-based developer Loongforce publicly accused Sony Interactive Entertainment’s China division and the China Hero Project of repeatedly delaying development, applying financial pressure, and attempting to seize control of its co-op shooter, Convallaria. The China Hero Project, a Sony-backed initiative, helps Chinese developers by providing resources, publishing support, and international exposure.
Loongforce claims the multi-year partnership collapsed after stalled development and escalating disputes over project management. The studio shared internal emails, chat logs, and formal complaints alleging that SIE China interfered with development and tried to take leadership of Convallaria. “We didn’t go public because we wanted attention,” a Loongforce developer said. “We did it because every internal path was exhausted, and nothing was changing.”
Former developers associated with the China Hero Project mentioned that, although they could not independently verify Loongforce’s claims, the reported issues mirror patterns they had observed within the program.
Background: A Flagship China Hero Project Partnership
Loongforce joined the China Hero Project in 2018 as part of its second batch of studios. In 2021, the studio signed a global multi-platform publishing agreement with SIE, placing Convallaria among a select group of projects that Sony published directly.
Tensions emerged in 2022 when Bao Bo took over as production lead for Convallaria at SIE China. Loongforce claims this leadership change turned early cooperation into prolonged inaction and escalating disputes. The studio later filed a formal complaint accusing Bao of unethical actions and misuse of authority.
Allegations of Delays, Financial Pressure, and Control Attempts
Loongforce says it repeatedly asked SIE China for clarity on marketing, server deployment, and launch plans, especially after Convallaria passed beta approval in January 2025. Instead, the project froze for months. Developers reported no player tests, no marketing campaigns, and no storefront pages. The lack of progress made the team fear that SIE would sideline the project.
The studio also noted that PlayStation China’s 10th-anniversary documentary excluded Convallaria, despite prior plans to feature it. “Every other project was there. Ours was simply gone,” a developer said. Loongforce interpreted the omission as deliberate, signaling that the team’s work was being erased.
Delayed payments starting mid-2025 worsened the situation and pushed the studio toward collapse. Monthly losses exceeded $230,000, yet the team continued development and completed a U.S. server test in April. After rejecting a new cooperation proposal and SIE’s unilateral termination of a payment agreement, Loongforce stopped collaborating, estimating total losses above one million dollars.
Loongforce also alleges that SIE China created conflicts of interest through outsourcing. The studio claims SIE assigned all outsourcing work to Virtuos without developer approval while hiring new staff who had formerly worked at Virtuos. Loongforce describes this structure as a closed loop that limited oversight and accountability.
In June 2025, SIE reportedly demanded that the studio transfer development control to the “SIE Global Team.” Loongforce refused, viewing the request as a direct threat to the project’s independence.
Current Status and Implications for Developers
Loongforce says it continues to pursue resolution directly with SIE while highlighting the financial and operational strain the partnership caused. The studio believes its experience exposes structural weaknesses within the China Hero Project, particularly unclear oversight and inconsistent support.
As of publication, neither SIE nor the China Hero Project has responded to repeated requests for comment. Observers note that the outcome of this dispute could influence whether future Chinese developers trust programs designed to support their creative work. For more updates on the game, follow their official X account.
