Project KV Cancelled After Negative Reactions Over Blue Archive Similarities

Former Blue Archive Developers Cancel Project KV Amidst Backlash Over Similarities

Dynamis One, a studio founded by ex-Blue Archive developers, has scrapped its upcoming project, Project KV, following intense criticism over its striking resemblance to its predecessor. The visual novel-style game, initially generating considerable buzz, quickly became mired in controversy due to its uncanny similarities to Nexon Games' Blue Archive.

Dynamis One's Apology and Project Cancellation

On September 9th, Dynamis One issued a public apology on Twitter (X), acknowledging the negative reception and concerns regarding Project KV's similarities to Blue Archive. The studio stated that the project would be canceled to prevent further issues and expressed regret to fans who had anticipated the game. All online materials related to Project KV are being removed. The statement concluded with a promise to improve and better meet fan expectations in future endeavors.

The Controversy: A Striking Resemblance

Project KV's initial promotional video, released August 18th, showcased a fully voiced story prologue. A second teaser followed two weeks later, providing a closer look at characters and storyline. However, less than a week after the second teaser, the project's cancellation was announced. While the decision may be disheartening for Dynamis One, online reactions largely celebrated the cancellation.

"Red Archive": Accusations of Plagiarism

The formation of Dynamis One in April 2024, led by former Blue Archive developer Park Byeong-Lim, immediately raised eyebrows within the Blue Archive community. The subsequent unveiling of Project KV intensified the scrutiny. Fans quickly noted the extensive similarities, from art style and music to the core concept of a Japanese-style city populated by weapon-wielding female students. The inclusion of a "Master" character, reminiscent of Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the use of halo-like adornments above characters, directly mirroring Blue Archive's iconic halos, fueled the controversy.

The Significance of the Halos

The halos, far from mere decorative elements in Blue Archive, held significant narrative importance. Their presence in Project KV sparked accusations of plagiarism, with many viewing the project as a blatant attempt to capitalize on Blue Archive's success. The speculation that "KV" might stand for "Kivotos," Blue Archive's fictional city, and the nickname "Red Archive" further emphasized the perceived derivative nature of the project.

Addressing the Controversy

While Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, didn't directly comment, he shared a fan's clarification on Twitter (X) emphasizing that Project KV was not a sequel, spin-off, or otherwise directly connected to Blue Archive.

The Cancellation: A Consequence of Negative Feedback

The overwhelmingly negative response ultimately led to Project KV's cancellation. Dynamis One's announcement lacked specific details regarding the decision. While some may express disappointment, the cancellation is widely seen as a consequence of the accusations of plagiarism. Whether Dynamis One will learn from this experience and develop a more distinct project remains to be seen.