Yes, it may seem more complex to the Scala novice, but once you fully understand the concepts behind it, Scala code will seem much more simplistic than Java code. Presumably Kafka can be used with Scala, but Scala programmers seem to prefer Akka, which can also be used by Java programs. Some of the more complex features of the language (tuples, functions, macros, to name a few) ultimately make it easier for the developer to write better code and increase performance by programming in Scala. But at the same time, going on the scala subreddit to ask if scala is worth learning is a bit like asking the Corvette Appreciation Association if a Corvette is a great car - it's not necessarily the most unbiased of opinions.
Scala is a type-safe JVM language that incorporates both object-oriented and functional programming in an extremely concise, logical and extraordinarily powerful language. Scala enough to give you a preview of Scala's power and capabilities and whet your appetite for learning the language. The popularity and use of Scala is growing rapidly, as evidenced by the increasing number of vacancies for Scala developers. As a result, there are certainly code distinctions and paradigm shifts that can make early learning of Scala programming a bit more difficult, but the result is a much cleaner and well-organised language that is ultimately easier to use and increases productivity.
