seniorspectrumnewspaper – Sony has filed a lawsuit against Chinese conglomerate Tencent in a California federal court. The lawsuit accuses Tencent of creating a “slavish clone” of Sony’s Horizon franchise in its upcoming game, Light of Motiram. Sony claims that this new title copies several distinctive elements of Horizon, including gameplay, themes, and artistic style.
Read More : Bigme B6 Brings Color E Ink and Android Under $150
Sony stated that Light of Motiram closely resembles Horizon’s protagonist, Alloy, which adds to the allegations of copyright and trademark infringement. Sony’s legal action seeks statutory damages for each part of the Horizon franchise that Tencent allegedly infringed. The company also wants Tencent to destroy all related products and marketing materials.
Sony revealed that Tencent approached them earlier in 2024, proposing a collaboration for a Horizon spin-off mobile game. Sony rejected the offer. Later that year, Tencent announced Light of Motiram. The proposed spin-off reportedly featured “Eastern aesthetics,” multiplayer modes, and gameplay involving survival, crafting, and pet taming.
This lawsuit follows growing public and critical consensus that Light of Motiram is a blatant rip-off. Game journalists and players have publicly criticized Tencent’s title for months. Sony’s lawsuit references this ongoing public sentiment, emphasizing the damage to its intellectual property and brand reputation.
Details of the Lawsuit and Potential Impact on Tencent
Tencent announced Light of Motiram on November 28, 2024, targeting PC, PlayStation 5, Android, and iOS platforms. However, the game has no official release date yet. Sony alleges that Tencent’s game replicates key gameplay mechanics and artistic elements from Horizon, resulting in irreparable damage to Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE).
Sony is demanding legal remedies that include monetary compensation and a court order to halt distribution and promotion of Light of Motiram. The company stresses the seriousness of the alleged infringement, claiming it undermines years of work and investment in the Horizon franchise.
Read More : China Launches Inquiry Into Shaolin Temple’s Top Monk
This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions in the gaming industry over intellectual property protection, especially between Western developers and large Asian conglomerates. If Sony succeeds, it could set a precedent for stricter enforcement against imitation games that closely mimic successful franchises.
Tencent has not publicly responded to the lawsuit at this time. Meanwhile, gamers and industry watchers await updates as the case unfolds. The dispute raises important questions about creative originality and the boundaries of inspiration in game development. Sony’s lawsuit underscores its commitment to protecting its creative assets and maintaining control over the Horizon brand. This case will be closely followed for its implications on copyright law and game industry practices globally.
