A recent case in Shanghai highlights the financial risks associated with the popular immersive game "script murder," where a young woman's addiction led to a significant romance scam. A 21-year-old woman, surnamed Peng, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a man she met through the game out of more than 100,000 yuan.
The victim, Mr. Li from Shanghai's Fengxian District, met Peng during a script murder session in July 2025. The two developed a relationship and began chatting on WeChat. Shortly after, Peng started requesting money, citing various reasons including serious illness and hospitalization, eventually obtaining over 100,000 yuan from Mr. Li. When he later asked for repayment, Peng avoided the issue and eventually cut off contact, prompting Mr. Li to report the incident to the police.
Following an investigation, authorities identified Peng as a suspect and apprehended her on March 3, 2026, in a hotel in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. Police investigations revealed that Peng was deeply engrossed in script murder games, particularly a subgenre known as "relationship companionship" scenarios. These games involve one-on-one immersive romantic interactions between a player and a professional game host. The sessions can be expensive, with costs ranging from several hundred to over a thousand yuan per session.
Without a stable income, Peng could not sustain this high-cost entertainment habit. She reportedly targeted Mr. Li, who had shown affection for her, and devised a plan to defraud him. To gain his trust, Peng fabricated an elaborate story about having a severe illness. She used excuses such as needing specialist consultations for stomach issues, emergency hospitalization, worsening conditions involving vomiting blood, and being diagnosed with stomach cancer requiring treatment. Since their interaction was primarily limited to WeChat, it was difficult for Mr. Li to verify her claims.
Peng further deceived him by downloading images from the internet showing emergency room visits and IV drips, and even staged photos with blood-stained tissues to simulate a critical health situation, creating a false sense of urgency for funds. Simultaneously, she portrayed herself as coming from a wealthy background to lower Mr. Li's guard and make him more willing to provide money.
According to police, Peng admitted during interrogation that all the defrauded money was spent on script murder game sessions, with none used for any medical treatment. The suspect is currently in criminal detention on fraud charges, and the case remains under investigation.
Online, the incident has sparked discussion, with some users expressing disbelief at the costs involved and the nature of the deception. The case has also drawn attention to the "relationship companionship" genre of script murder games. These sessions, which simulate romantic experiences including holding hands, hugging, and intimate conversations, are designed to provide high emotional value. Consequently, they command premium prices, often around 500 yuan per session, with popular hosts charging nearly 1,000 yuan. Extended sessions can total several thousand yuan.
The hosts, often selected for their appearance and trained in specific interaction techniques, can lead some players, particularly younger individuals, to develop strong attachments. This sometimes results in players repeatedly booking sessions to interact with specific hosts, accruing significant debt. In extreme cases, players have attempted to pursue relationships with hosts in real life, leading to conflicts and harassment.
While the genre itself is not inherently problematic, players are advised to maintain a clear perspective, recognize the boundary between fiction and reality, and avoid excessive emotional and financial investment in these simulated experiences.