Highlights
- Sony has filed a lawsuit against Tencent over its upcoming game Light of Motiram
- The complaint alleges copyright and trademark infringement, and false designation of origin
- Sony claims the game is “a slavish clone” of Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West
- Accusations include similarities in character design, world-building, art style, and gameplay
- Sony is seeking damages and a halt to development and distribution
Sony files lawsuit over Horizon similarities
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is suing Tencent, alleging that the Chinese tech company’s upcoming game, Light of Motiram, unlawfully imitates the Horizon video game series. The lawsuit, filed last week in a California court, claims the new title is “a slavish clone” of Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West.
According to the complaint, Light of Motiram replicates numerous elements of the Horizon franchise — including creature design, narrative structure, character style, gameplay mechanics, and visual presentation.
Detailed allegations: design, characters, and settings
Sony outlines a long list of reported similarities between the two games. Both are set in post-apocalyptic landscapes featuring giant robotic creatures, and human societies structured into tribal groups. The complaint argues that Motiram's mechanical creatures, environments (including forests, deserts, and snowy terrain), and themes closely mirror those in the Horizon series.
Additionally, both games feature red-haired female protagonists with similar attire and accessories. Sony claims that Motiram's lead character wears a device resembling Aloy’s “Focus” — a key technological element from the Horizon universe.
The lawsuit also highlights parallels in art direction, including colour palettes, fonts, architecture, and lighting. Marketing materials are said to include identical angles, compositions, and even fonts used in promotional content for Horizon titles.
- YouTube IGN
Prior licensing request and informal negotiations
Sony alleges that Tencent knowingly developed Light of Motiram with full awareness of its similarities to Horizon. According to the filing, Tencent began development in 2023 and approached Sony during the 2024 Game Developers Conference to request a licence to make a Horizon-based game. Sony declined the request.
After becoming aware of Motiram, Sony says it contacted Tencent informally to address the apparent similarities. However, Sony claims Tencent responded by requesting a licensing deal once again. When this was also denied, Tencent allegedly proceeded with the game’s promotion and testing.
Sony is suing Tencent on grounds of copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and false designation of originYouTube/ IGN
Legal action and potential damages
Sony is suing Tencent on grounds of copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and false designation of origin. The company is asking the court to:
- Block Tencent from continuing to distribute or develop Light of Motiram
- Order the destruction of all infringing materials
- Award statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work within the Horizon franchise
The game currently has a Steam listing but no confirmed release date.
