Blue Archive Clone Scrapped Amidst Backlash

Project KV, a visual novel developed by former Blue Archive creators, has been canceled following significant backlash. This article explores the reasons behind the game's abrupt termination.

Project KV Cancellation: Dynamis One's Apology

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 striking similarities to Blue Archive, a mobile gacha title. The studio acknowledged fan concerns and emphasized its commitment to avoiding future conflicts. All Project KV related materials were removed online. The statement concluded with a promise to improve and better meet fan expectations.

Project KV's initial promotional video (August 18th) and a subsequent teaser (two weeks later) generated excitement, but the project was canceled a week after the second teaser's release. While disappointing for Dynamis One, the cancellation was largely celebrated online.

Blue Archive vs. "Red Archive": A Comparison of Similarities

Dynamis One, established in April by former Blue Archive lead Park Byeong-Lim and other key developers, immediately drew attention from the Blue Archive fanbase. The subsequent reveal of Project KV ignited controversy due to its numerous similarities to Blue Archive. These similarities extended from the aesthetic and music to the core concept: a Japanese-style city populated by female students wielding weapons.

The inclusion of a "Master" character, echoing Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the presence of halo-like adornments above characters, mirroring those in Blue Archive, further fueled the controversy. These halos, significant narrative elements in Blue Archive, were particularly contentious, leading to accusations of plagiarism and the game being dubbed "Red Archive," a derivative of the original.

While Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, indirectly addressed the issue via a fan account's clarification that Project KV wasn't a sequel or spin-off, the negative reaction ultimately led to its cancellation.

The Aftermath and Future Prospects

The overwhelming negative response forced Dynamis One's hand, resulting in the cancellation without detailed explanation. While some expressed disappointment, many viewed the cancellation as a justified response to the perceived plagiarism. The future direction of Dynamis One and its ability to create a distinct identity for future projects remains uncertain.