Sony Initiates Legal Battle Over Controversial Horizon Lookalike Game

An emerging dispute in the gaming industry is now unfolding in a courtroom far from Silicon Valley’s usual turf. The conflict centers on concerns over game design similarities and the protection of creative concepts.

Sony has launched legal proceedings against a major Chinese gaming powerhouse in California. The technology leader asserts that the anticipated title Light of Motiram mimics the design and essence of their own Horizon series. Observers note striking parallels in visuals and gameplay when reviewing images from Tencent’s project.

When Light of Motiram was first introduced last year, it immediately ignited debate among fans and critics alike. Many enthusiasts remarked on how closely it resembled Horizon Zero Dawn, a similarity that Sony now deems unacceptable. The company alleges that this resemblance constitutes both copyright and trademark infringement.

Complicating matters further, an intriguing detail has emerged regarding earlier communications between the two companies. According to Sony, Tencent had proposed a joint venture to develop a new entry within the Horizon universe. When Sony opted out of collaboration, Tencent is claimed to have continued on its own, producing Light of Motiram with notable similarities in gameplay mechanics, visual style, and thematic direction. Key points in the dispute include:

• A claim of unauthorized replication of core design elements
• The assertion of disproportionate visual and gameplay similarities
• A prior proposal for a collaborative Horizon project that was declined

Sony is now seeking undisclosed financial compensation while also requesting an injunction to halt further development of the game by Tencent. This legal move has raised discussions about whether the new title is a case of heavy influence or an unwarranted imitation.