New NetEase FPS Sparks Warzone ‘Rip-Off’ Claims, But Some Call of Duty Fans Are Happy to See It
NetEase Games has released ECC: Redline, a free-to-play FPS positioned as an “extreme-sports tactical shooter” available on PC via Steam and mobile platforms. The release has immediately sparked controversy within the gaming community, with numerous players calling it a direct “1:1 rip-off” of Call of Duty: Warzone.
Comparison videos and community analysis have highlighted striking similarities between the two games, including weapon mechanics, recoil behavior, movement systems, and user interface design. Critics argue that NetEase’s shooter copies these elements so closely that it raises questions about originality and intellectual property boundaries.
Despite the backlash, the game has found support among frustrated Warzone players seeking an alternative to Activision’s battle royale. Some Call of Duty fans view ECC: Redline’s release as a positive development that could inject new competition into the free-to-play shooter market. The mixed reception reflects broader tensions in the gaming industry between providing competitive alternatives and maintaining original design innovation.