New NetEase FPS Sparks Warzone 'rip-Off' Claims, But Some Call Of Duty Fans Are Happy To See It

Chinese technology and video game developer NetEase Games recently unveiled its upcoming free-to-play project, ECC: Redline. Promoted by the creator as a self-developed tactical shooter focused on extreme sports, the title is slated for release on PC through Steam as well as on mobile devices. However, immediately following its initial public presentation, online observers began noting heavy similarities between the new title and Activision's popular battle royale experience, Call of Duty: Warzone.

Audience members analyzing the early reveal footage pointed out numerous visual and structural parallels. Observers highlighted that the handling, movement animations, and recoil patterns of the firearms closely mimic Activision's flagship shooter. Beyond gunplay, commentators noted that the audio design, overall user interface, emblem aesthetics, and first-person camera blur effects applied during high-altitude drops share unmistakable characteristics with the Call of Duty franchise.

Despite these extensive design overlaps, ECC: Redline attempts to distinguish itself by incorporating hero shooter mechanics. The game features playable characters equipped with unique individual abilities and tactical gadgets. Even so, the additions have done little to stop social media users and gaming commentators from labeling the title a near-direct copy, with many online posts comparing its core structure to a hybrid of Warzone, Delta Force, and Blood Strike.

The controversy arrives during a period of ongoing dissatisfaction among portions of the Call of Duty fanbase. Since Warzone originally debuted alongside the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot in 2019, player engagement has fluctuated significantly. Nostalgic fans frequently cite the launch era and the original Verdansk map as the pinnacle of the battle royale's history, expressing frustration that recent updates and developer decisions have failed to recapture that initial appeal.

Because of this widespread player fatigue, a segment of the Call of Duty community views the emergence of ECC: Redline positively. Some players expressed optimism that a fresh competitor offering responsive movement, stable servers, and active community communication could force Activision to improve its own offerings. Others admitted that while the title appears to heavily copy past Warzone iterations, the inclusion of distinct character abilities and a polished presentation makes them interested in playing it.

This instance is not the first time NetEase has faced scrutiny regarding game designs that resemble existing properties. The publisher previously launched Marvel Rivals in 2024, a hero shooter that drew frequent comparisons to Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch while achieving widespread popularity. On a more severe front, NetEase previously managed Hyper Front, a tactical shooter that became the target of a lawsuit from Riot Games due to its extensive similarities to Valorant.

At present, NetEase has not announced an official launch date for ECC: Redline as it continues to invite PC users to add the title to their Steam wishlists. Meanwhile, Activision is preparing to roll out major updates to Call of Duty: Warzone in conjunction with the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 later in the month.