Sony has taken legal action against Chinese tech conglomerate Tencent, claiming that its upcoming video game, Light of Motiram, unlawfully copies key elements of the acclaimed Horizon franchise. The lawsuit, first reported by Reuters, accuses Tencent of replicating core features from Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, and Lego Horizon Adventures.
Claims of extensive copying across gameplay and design
According to Sony, Light of Motiram imitates the distinctive post-apocalyptic setting where humans coexist with mechanical creatures — a concept central to the Horizon universe. The Japanese gaming giant also claims that Tencent’s game mirrors Horizon’s character design, visual style, and even the way the franchise is promoted online.
Sony described Light of Motiram as a “slavish clone” of its Horizon games. This characterisation aligns with early responses from the gaming press, including Engadget, which noted the similarities upon Tencent’s original game announcement in November 2024.
The lawsuit argues that these similarities go far beyond inspiration or coincidence, instead amounting to deliberate and unlawful copying of creative material that is unique to Sony’s intellectual property.
Rejected collaboration raises legal stakes
One of the most notable aspects of Sony’s legal argument is the claim that Tencent had previously attempted to license the Horizon intellectual property. Sony alleges that Tencent approached Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) before announcing Light of Motiram, proposing to co-develop a mobile version of Horizon that would incorporate “Eastern aesthetics” along with gameplay features such as survival mechanics, crafting, pet taming, and multiplayer functionality.
Sony declined the proposal, but Tencent moved forward with Light of Motiram, including many of the same concepts and visual cues discussed during those licensing talks. For Sony, this sequence of events further supports the case that Tencent knowingly copied from the Horizon franchise after being denied official use of the brand.
Sony seeks to block the release of the game
Sony is now seeking an injunction from the court that would immediately halt the development and release of Light of Motiram. The company is also seeking financial compensation and full destruction of all materials related to the game.
The lawsuit alleges that Tencent’s actions have caused confusion among consumers and harmed the Horizon brand, potentially undermining future projects and revenue. As of now, Tencent has not issued a public statement regarding the case.
The outcome of this legal dispute could have wide-ranging implications for both companies and may set a precedent in the gaming industry concerning intellectual property and creative boundaries. With Tencent yet to formally respond in court, the case remains ongoing, but the stakes are high for both sides as it progresses.
