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). Their statement apologized for the controversy sparked by the game's similarities to Blue Archive, a popular mobile gacha title. The studio acknowledged fan concerns and emphasized its commitment to avoiding future conflicts. All Project KV materials were subsequently removed from online platforms. Dynamis One concluded by promising to improve and better meet fan expectations in future endeavors.
Project KV's initial promotional video (August 18th) and a subsequent teaser (two weeks later) generated considerable buzz. However, the project's cancellation followed swiftly after the second teaser's release, surprising many. While the developers may be disappointed, online sentiment largely celebrated the decision.
Blue Archive vs. the "Red Archive" Controversy
Dynamis One, headed by former Blue Archive lead Park Byeong-Lim, launched in April 2024. The formation of the studio, along with the departure of key developers from Nexon, initially raised eyebrows among the Blue Archive community. But the unveiling of Project KV ignited a firestorm.
Fans quickly highlighted the numerous similarities between Project KV and Blue Archive, ranging from aesthetic style and music to core gameplay concepts: a Japanese-style city populated by female students wielding weapons. The inclusion of a "Master" character echoing Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the use of halo-like adornments above characters—a key visual element in Blue Archive with significant narrative importance—further fueled the controversy.
The halos, in particular, became a focal point of criticism. Their presence in Project KV raised concerns about potential plagiarism and the exploitation of Blue Archive's established identity. The use of "KV," speculated to be a reference to "Kivotos" (Blue Archive's fictional city), led to the game being dubbed the "Red Archive" online.
Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, indirectly addressed the controversy by retweeting a fan clarification stating that Project KV was not a sequel or spin-off.
The overwhelmingly negative response ultimately led to Project KV's cancellation. While some expressed disappointment, many viewed the cancellation as a justified response to the perceived plagiarism. The future direction of Dynamis One and whether they will learn from this experience remains to be seen.
