I don't think it's a hoax at least not the simulation part (harem mode) the Gameplay part they really need to show something of the X-com Style Gameplay with Cards (jesus a drawing board game gameplay of course ready optimized perfectly for mobile play, touch interface) sooner than later.
It seems in no way connected to the Gameplay it's like 2 things on the same IP and you can't reuse that much as only the basics for one of it the other needs a complete different interface at first, see Subverse round based Strategy Integration into a VN ontop (typical Japanese VN Gameplay Design Methodology put something beneath the VN which feels more like Mini Gameplay).
It's doable but you really have to ask the question why you invest into 2 different paths if you could gather the resources more efficiently for one of them.
It would be no real problem at all i even said it would be a good idea if Wild Life dev would do this based on their IP but the thing is jesus show something of it more than just a Map Design but actual prototype Gameplay and do not announce it if it isn't ready at all to be shown
Instead they showed some nice Unreal Cutscene which showcases the partys but overall has nothing todo with the real Gameplay and most probably is far away of how it will be visualized to the point that it is very questionable if you will see such a Cutscene as part of the Gameplay ever at all
And now they seem to lose someone of the top talents the Guy who Designs part of the IP which seems QI WU has done all his 3D Models based on either QI WU or this Concept Artist who created this Sci-Fi Designs i bet Tencent payed really well for him he is practically one of the Key parts of the IP.
QI WU is maybe also the Concept Artist i dunno really but those Designs are just awesome but QI WU alone is so talented even making those concept Art become 3D Reality.
And i fully understand why Tencent want's the guy responsible for it at all costs he has a much higher value then this whole project coming up with such a awesome IP world Design.