Dangerous similarity – how a game led to a legal battle
In the world of video games, ideas are often shared, developed further, or used as inspiration – but sometimes the line between homage and copy is difficult to discern. It is precisely this line that Sony and Tencent are now accused of having crossed.nbsp;At the center of the dispute is “Light of Motiram,” an upcoming action game that, according to Sony, is too similar to the successful Horizon series, not only visually but also conceptually.
The game is being developed by Tencent studio Polaris Quest, is already listed on Steam, and has attracted a lot of attention with its graphic design and female protagonist. According to Sony, it is precisely this main character—a red-haired female warrior with a bow in a futuristic wilderness—that is strikingly reminiscent of Aloy, the heroine of
Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West. Fans online are already calling it a “cheeky copy.” But according to Sony, the similarities go far beyond appearances: the game mechanics, visual design, and marketing materials are also said to be too close to the original series.
Particularly controversial: Tencent is said to have actively attempted to secure the rights to the Horizon IP, but Sony declined. Shortly thereafter, Light of Motiram appeared.
What sounds like a curious case to outsiders is now developing into a serious lawsuit. On July 25, Sony filed a lawsuit in California for copyright and trademark infringement, including a demand for a jury trial.
$150,000 per game – Sony wants to stop the project
In the lawsuit, Sony is not only seeking damages of up to $150,000 per affected work in the Horizon series – it is also seeking an immediate ban on distribution. The marketing materials for Light of Motiram are to be confiscated and destroyed. This is the demand, as Sony accuses Tencent of deliberately creating a likelihood of confusion. All to profit from the success of the original series.
According to court documents, Tencent’s presentation even gave many players the impression that Light of Motiram was a new Horizon game. This is an image that is likely to be particularly upsetting for Sony, especially as the company is working on further sequels.
The legal escalation therefore also appears to be a battle for the future of the brand. The case is particularly sensitive because Tencent is considered one of the largest investors in the gaming world.
With stakes in studios such as Epic Games, Ubisoft, and even FromSoftware, a public court case between two such heavyweights is likely to send a signal to the entire industry.
Whether Light of Motiram will ever be released remains to be seen. The game is still available for pre-order on Steam, but no specific release date has been announced. Sony, however, has made it clear that when it comes to the heart of one of its most successful brands, it will show no mercy.
