Project KV axed amid backlash over Blue Archive similarities

Former Blue Archive Developers Cancel Project KV Amidst Plagiarism Accusations

Dynamis One, a studio founded by ex-developers of the popular mobile game Blue Archive, has abruptly cancelled its upcoming project, Project KV. The decision follows a significant backlash from fans who noted striking similarities between Project KV and its predecessor.

The Cancellation Announcement

On September 9th, Dynamis One issued an apology on Twitter (X), announcing the cancellation of Project KV and acknowledging the controversy surrounding its resemblance to Blue Archive. The statement expressed regret for the negative reaction and promised to remove all online materials related to the project. The studio pledged to learn from this experience and strive for better results in future endeavors.

While the initial promotional videos for Project KV, released in August, generated interest, the uncanny similarities to Blue Archive quickly sparked outrage.

The Controversy: "Red Archive"?

The creation of Dynamis One in April by former Blue Archive developers, including Park Byeong-Lim, initially raised some eyebrows. However, the unveiling of Project KV ignited a firestorm. Fans criticized the game's visual style, music, and core concept—a city populated by weapon-wielding female students—as being too close to Blue Archive.

The presence of a "Master" character, reminiscent of Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the use of halo-like adornments similar to those in Blue Archive, further fueled the accusations of plagiarism. The halos, in particular, were a point of contention, given their narrative significance within Blue Archive. The nickname "Red Archive" emerged, highlighting the perceived derivative nature of the project.

Addressing the Concerns

Kim Yong-ha, the general producer of Blue Archive, indirectly addressed the situation by sharing a fan's clarification on Twitter (X) emphasizing that Project KV was not a sequel or spin-off.

The Fallout

The overwhelmingly negative reaction ultimately led to Project KV's cancellation. While some expressed disappointment over the lost potential, many viewed the cancellation as a justified response to the perceived plagiarism. The future direction of Dynamis One remains uncertain, leaving questions about the lessons learned from this high-profile failure.