NetEase Game Accused of Copying Call of Duty: Warzone

NetEase Games has unveiled "Extreme Battlefield," a new tactical shooter that is drawing criticism for its striking resemblance to Activision's "Call of Duty: Warzone." The game, slated for release on Steam and mobile platforms as a free-to-play title, has ignited discussions across international gaming communities on platforms like YouTube and Reddit, where it's being labeled a "1:1 copy" of Warzone.

The alleged similarities extend beyond the core gameplay loop. Players have noted that "Extreme Battlefield" features weapon designs, recoil patterns, and character animations that are remarkably close to those in "Warzone." Aspects such as the UI layout, sound design, and even the visual effects when falling from a height are reportedly causing a sense of déjà vu among "Warzone" veterans. While "Extreme Battlefield" does include unique character abilities and items, these have not been enough to distance it from the comparisons.

This is not the first time NetEase has faced allegations of copying. In December 2022, Riot Games filed a lawsuit against NetEase, claiming its tactical shooter "Hyper Front" plagiarized "Valorant." While NetEase's "Marvel Rivals" was also compared to "Overwatch," it achieved commercial success with its distinct gameplay, somewhat mitigating criticism of the company's perceived imitation strategy.

Paradoxically, some "Call of Duty" players have expressed a positive reception to "Extreme Battlefield." They suggest that if NetEase's game offers robust servers and responsive community engagement, it could push "Call of Duty" to improve its own offerings. One player commented that the game "honestly looks better" than the original "Warzone."