NetEase shooter ECC Redline called a 1:1 Warzone rip-off by fans

A new free-to-play first-person shooter from NetEase is sparking heated debate among Call of Duty fans. According to IGN, ECC: Redline, described by its developer as a "self-developed extreme-sports tactical shooter," is being called a blatant copy of Call of Duty: Warzone by many viewers.

Fans online are pointing to a laundry list of similarities. They say the guns' look, recoil, and movement are familiar, and that even the user interface and sound effects seem directly lifted from Activision's battle royale. Social media posts cited by IGN call it a "1:1 rip" and note that details down to the camera blur when falling from heights feel identical to Warzone.

Despite the accusations, some frustrated Warzone players are welcoming the competition. Some comments on social media suggest the NetEase game could force Call of Duty to "start trying again" if it features better servers and community listening. One player even said the clone "looks better" than the current Warzone experience.

NetEase is no stranger to these comparisons. The outlet notes the company's Marvel Rivals drew parallels to Overwatch, and its Hyper Front was the subject of a lawsuit from Riot Games over similarities to Valorant.

ECC: Redline is planned for PC via Steam and mobile devices, but currently has no release date. The controversy emerges as Warzone prepares for updates tied to the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 later this month.