Sony Interactive Entertainment has initiated legal proceedings against Tencent Holdings Ltd., alleging that the Chinese conglomerate’s forthcoming game, “Light of Motiram,” is a direct imitation of Sony’s acclaimed “Horizon” series. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, describes “Light of Motiram” as a “slavish clone” that replicates numerous distinctive elements from the “Horizon” franchise.
According to the complaint, Tencent approached Sony in early 2024, proposing a collaboration to develop a mobile game set in the “Horizon” universe. Sony declined this proposal. Subsequently, Tencent announced “Light of Motiram,” which Sony contends mirrors the “Horizon” series in several aspects, including gameplay mechanics, thematic elements, and artistic design. The lawsuit highlights that both games are set in post-apocalyptic worlds where human tribes coexist with mechanical creatures, and feature protagonists with similar appearances and attire.
Public reaction has also noted the similarities between the two games. Upon the release of the “Light of Motiram” trailer, observers pointed out resemblances to the “Horizon” series, with some labeling the game as a “shameless” copy. This sentiment has been echoed across various gaming communities and media outlets.
In its legal action, Sony seeks to prevent Tencent from releasing “Light of Motiram” in its current form and is pursuing monetary damages for alleged copyright and trademark infringements. The company argues that the release of Tencent’s game could cause consumer confusion and dilute the “Horizon” brand.
As of now, Tencent has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for intellectual property rights and the boundaries of creative inspiration within the gaming industry.