KV project axed over Blue Archive likeness concerns

Visual novel-style game Project KV, developed by former Blue Archive creators, has been officially discontinued. Discover what led to this controversial decision.

Project KV Axed Amid Controversy Regarding Blue Archive Parallels

Development Team Issues Apology

Dynamis One, a studio formed by ex-Blue Archive developers, has terminated their in-production title Project KV. The game initially generated buzz upon reveal but quickly became mired in controversy due to perceived excessive similarities with Blue Archive, the mobile gacha title the team previously worked on at Nexon Games.

The studio announced the cancellation via Twitter (X) on September 9. In their statement, Dynamis One expressed regret for the unrest caused by Project KV while acknowledging player concerns about the game's resemblances. The developer confirmed all project-related materials would be withdrawn from online platforms.

Dynamis One concluded by pledging renewed efforts to satisfy community expectations in future endeavors.

Project KV debuted its initial promotional content on August 18, featuring fully voiced story introductions and development team details. A secondary trailer emerged two weeks later showcasing characters and narrative elements before the abrupt project termination one week afterward.

While disappointing for the developers, the cancellation has been largely well-received within online communities.

The Blue Archive/Red Archive Debate

Korean publisher Dynamis One, led by former Blue Archive producer Park Byeong-Lim, generated immediate discussion when established in April. The team's departure from Nexon Games to form the new company drew attention from Blue Archive's player base.

Project KV's subsequent unveiling ignited significant controversy, with fans highlighting numerous parallels with Blue Archive. Similarities encompassed aesthetic presentation, musical styling, and core premise - both featuring a Japanese-inspired urban setting populated by armed female students.

The inclusion of a "Master" protagonist archetype and distinctive halo motifs above characters' heads proved particularly contentious. In Blue Archive, these halos carry substantial narrative significance as franchise-defining visual elements.

Community members decried these design choices as exploitative of Blue Archive's established iconography. The situation escalated when fans speculated "KV" represented "Kivotos," Blue Archive's fictional setting, leading to the derisive "Red Archive" nickname.

Blue Archive's general producer Kim Yong-ha indirectly addressed the situation by sharing a fan clarification confirming no connection between the projects. The translation stated: "Project KV bears no relation to Blue Archive - it represents a new venture by former Nexon Games developers."

The extensive negative reception ultimately precipitated Project KV's cancellation. While some lament the lost creative potential, many view this outcome as appropriate given the alleged imitation concerns. Whether Dynamis One will pursue more distinctive concepts moving forward remains uncertain.