Blue Archive-Like Game 'Project KV' Scrapped Due to Backlash

Former Blue Archive Developers Cancel Project KV Amidst Plagiarism Accusations

Dynamis One, a studio founded by ex-Blue Archive developers, has pulled the plug on its anticipated visual novel, Project KV. The game, which generated considerable buzz following its announcement, faced a swift backlash due to its striking resemblance to its predecessor, Nexon's Blue Archive.

The cancellation, announced via X (formerly Twitter) on September 9th, followed an apology from Dynamis One for the controversy. The studio acknowledged concerns regarding the game's similarities and vowed to avoid future missteps. All Project KV materials have been removed online. While the studio expressed regret to supporters, the online reaction to the cancellation was largely celebratory.

Project KV's initial promotional video, released August 18th, showcased a voiced story prologue. A second teaser, two weeks later, offered a closer look at characters and storyline. However, the project's abrupt cancellation a week after the second teaser highlights the intensity of the negative response.

The "Red Archive" Controversy

Dynamis One, led by former Blue Archive lead Park Byeong-Lim, sparked debate upon its founding in April. The departure of key developers from Nexon fueled speculation within the Blue Archive community. The subsequent unveiling of Project KV ignited a firestorm. Fans quickly identified numerous similarities, from aesthetics and music to the core concept: a Japanese-style city populated by weapon-wielding female students. The inclusion of a "Master" character, echoing Blue Archive's "Sensei," and halo-like adornments further intensified the criticism.

These halos, a significant narrative element in Blue Archive, became a focal point of the controversy. Many perceived their inclusion in Project KV as an attempt to leverage Blue Archive's success, leading to accusations of plagiarism and the "Red Archive" moniker – a derivative of the original IP. While Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, indirectly acknowledged the controversy, clarifying the lack of official connection between the two projects, the damage was done.

The overwhelming negative feedback ultimately led to Project KV's demise. Dynamis One's decision to cancel, without detailed explanation, leaves the future of the studio and its approach to future projects uncertain. While some may lament the lost potential, the cancellation is widely viewed as a consequence of the perceived plagiarism.