Katarzyna Petru
Sony Interactive Entertainment is bringing heavy fire against Tencent – one of the largest players in the global gaming market. It’s about “Light of Motiram” – a new, online survival game with an open world, which the Japanese believe is… too similar to their iconic Horizon series. Or rather so similar that – as we read in the lawsuit – it constitutes a “brazen copy.”
Light of Motiram vs. Horizon. Where Does Inspiration End?
As soon as the first materials from the Chinese production appeared online, the gaming community quickly began to notice striking similarities to "Horizon: Zero Dawn" and "Forbidden West." From character designs, to landscapes and graphic design, to the exploration method and interface style – players asked directly: "Isn't this just a clone of Horizon?"
It seems that Sony felt similarly, except that… they took it a step further and filed an official lawsuit against Tencent. The case went to federal court in California, where the Japanese company alleges copyright and trademark infringement.
Tencent previously sought collaboration with Sony
As revealed by Reuters, as early as last year, Tencent approached Sony with a proposal to collaborate on the next installment of Horizon. The Japanese giant, however, politely declined. A few months later, "Light of Motiram" emerged – a game that, according to Sony's lawsuit, "could mislead players" due to its style and structure resembling the hit from Guerrilla Games.
Sony also cites numerous articles and media opinions that describe the new game as a "knockoff" of Horizon. Such a portrayal of the production leaves little room for diplomacy – hence the legal offensive.
What's next?
Sony is demanding not only compensation (the amount has not been disclosed) but also a court injunction to prevent infringement of their intellectual property. If the court rules in their favor, Tencent may face serious problems – not only reputational but also financial.
At this moment, both sides are silent, and "Light of Motiram" has yet to premiere. Will this title even make it to the market? We will probably find out only after the first hearings.
