Project KV, a visual novel developed by former Blue Archive creators, has been cancelled due to significant backlash over its striking resemblance to its predecessor. This article explores the reasons behind the game's abrupt cancellation.
Dynamis One Apologizes Amidst Controversy
Dynamis One, the studio founded by ex-Blue Archive developers, announced Project KV's cancellation on September 9th via Twitter (X). Their statement acknowledged the controversy surrounding the game's similarities to Blue Archive and apologized for the resulting disruption. They pledged to avoid similar issues in the future and confirmed the removal of all Project KV materials from online platforms. The studio expressed regret to fans and promised to strive for higher standards in future endeavors.
Project KV's initial promotional video, released August 18th, showcased a voiced prologue. A second teaser, released two weeks later, provided further details about the characters and storyline. However, the project was cancelled just a week after the second teaser's release. While disappointing for Dynamis One, the online reaction to the cancellation was largely positive.
Blue Archive vs. the "Red Archive" Debate
The formation of Dynamis One in April 2024, led by former Blue Archive developer Park Byeong-Lim, initially raised eyebrows among Blue Archive fans. The subsequent unveiling of Project KV ignited a storm of criticism. Fans quickly identified numerous similarities between the two games, including the aesthetic, music, and core concept—a Japanese-style city inhabited by weapon-wielding female students.
The presence of a "Master" character, reminiscent of Blue Archive's "Sensei," and the use of halo-like adornments above characters' heads, directly mirroring Blue Archive's iconic halos, further fueled the controversy. These halos, significant narrative elements in Blue Archive, were a particular point of contention, leading to accusations of plagiarism and the perception of Project KV as a blatant copy.
The speculated connection between "KV" and "Kivotos" (Blue Archive's fictional city), along with the nickname "Red Archive," heightened the accusations. Although Blue Archive's general producer, Kim Yong-ha, indirectly addressed the controversy by sharing a clarification post emphasizing the lack of official connection between the two games, the damage was done.
The overwhelmingly negative response ultimately led to Project KV's cancellation. While some expressed disappointment, many viewed the cancellation as a justifiable outcome of the perceived plagiarism. The future direction of Dynamis One and whether they will learn from this experience remains to be seen.
