Blue Archive Clone Project Halted after Backlash

Project KV, a visual novel developed by former Blue Archive creators, has been canceled following significant backlash over its striking resemblance to its predecessor. This article explores the reasons behind the project's abrupt termination.

Project KV Cancellation: An Apology from Dynamis One

Dynamis One, a studio founded by ex-Blue Archive developers at Nexon Games, announced the cancellation of Project KV on September 9th via Twitter (X). The statement apologized for the controversy sparked by the game's similarities to Blue Archive, a mobile gacha title. The studio acknowledged fan concerns and stated its commitment to avoiding future conflicts, removing all Project KV materials online. They expressed regret to supporters and vowed to improve future projects to better meet fan expectations.

The Rapid Rise and Fall of Project KV

Project KV's initial promotional video, released August 18th, generated considerable buzz. A second teaser, two weeks later, further showcased the game's characters and narrative. However, the project was unexpectedly canceled just a week after the second teaser's release. While Dynamis One may be disappointed, online sentiment largely celebrates the cancellation.

Blue Archive vs. "Red Archive": A Tale of Striking Resemblance

Dynamis One, headed by former Blue Archive developer Park Byeong-Lim, sparked controversy upon its founding in April. The subsequent unveiling of Project KV ignited a firestorm due to its uncanny similarities to Blue Archive. Fans noted similarities in aesthetics, music, and core concept: a Japanese-style city populated by weapon-wielding female students.

The "Master" character, reminiscent of Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the halo-like adornments above characters—a key visual element in Blue Archive with significant narrative weight—further fueled the controversy. Many viewed these similarities as an attempt to capitalize on Blue Archive's success, leading to accusations of plagiarism and the nickname "Red Archive." While Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, clarified the lack of direct connection between the two projects, the damage was done.

The Cancellation: A Consequence of Negative Feedback

The overwhelming negative response ultimately led to Project KV's cancellation. Dynamis One's announcement lacked specific details, but the decision is widely seen as a justified response to the plagiarism accusations. The future of Dynamis One and whether they will learn from this experience remains to be seen.