Project Shelved Amidst Similarity Concerns

Former Blue Archive developers' visual novel, Project KV, has been cancelled following significant backlash. Let's examine the reasons behind this abrupt cancellation.

Project KV Cancellation: A Response to Backlash

Dynamis One Apologizes Amidst Controversy

Dynamis One, a studio founded by ex-Blue Archive developers, pulled the plug on Project KV. The game, initially generating considerable buzz, faced intense criticism due to its striking resemblance to Blue Archive, the mobile gacha game the team previously worked on at Nexon Games.

On September 9th, Dynamis One issued a Twitter (X) statement announcing the cancellation. They apologized for the controversy and acknowledged the concerns regarding the game's similarities to Blue Archive. The studio emphasized their commitment to avoiding future issues and confirmed the removal of all Project KV materials online. They expressed regret to fans and vowed to improve future projects to meet expectations.

Project KV's promotional videos, released on August 18th and then again two weeks later, showcased the game's story, characters, and voice acting. The cancellation came swiftly after the second teaser. While disappointing for Dynamis One, the online reaction to the cancellation was largely celebratory.

Blue Archive and the "Red Archive" Controversy

Dynamis One, headed by former Blue Archive developer Park Byeong-Lim, sparked debate upon its founding in April. Park's departure from Nexon, along with key developers, raised immediate concerns among Blue Archive fans.

The subsequent reveal of Project KV ignited a firestorm. Fans highlighted numerous similarities, from aesthetics and music to the core concept: a Japanese-style city populated by female students wielding weapons.

The presence of a "Master" character, echoing Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the use of halo-like adornments, mirroring those in Blue Archive, fueled the controversy.

These halos, far from mere decoration in Blue Archive, held significant narrative importance, making their appearance in Project KV particularly contentious. Many viewed it as an attempt to leverage Blue Archive's success through visual similarities, leading to accusations of plagiarism and a "Red Archive" nickname, suggesting a derivative work. Even speculation arose that "KV" was short for "Kivotos," Blue Archive's fictional city.

Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, indirectly addressed the controversy by sharing a fan's clarification on Twitter (X) emphasizing Project KV's lack of official connection to Blue Archive.

Ultimately, the overwhelming negative reception led to Project KV's demise. Dynamis One's cancellation announcement lacked specifics. While some expressed disappointment over lost potential, many viewed the cancellation as a justifiable response to the perceived plagiarism. The future direction of Dynamis One and whether they will learn from this experience remains to be seen.