Sony Interactive Entertainment has sued Tencent Holdings Ltd. for copyright violations, accusing the Chinese tech giant of ripping off its popular Horizon video game.
Sony's Allegations Against Tencent
Sony claims that Tencent is developing a game that shares many similarities with Horizon: Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. The company describes this project as a 'slavish clone', alleging that the game not only copies gameplay but also the storyline, characters, and artistic style of the Horizon franchise 'in a substantial portion'.
Sony's complaint states that the similarities between Light of Motiram and Horizon are so significant and specific that they can only result from intentional copying. The company fears consumers will mistake Tencent's game for an official spin-off or sequel.
Collaboration Proposal Rejected by Sony
Tencent initially approached Sony in 2023 with a proposal to collaborate on a new game set in the Horizon universe, but the Japanese tech giant rejected this offer. Shortly thereafter, Tencent announced Light of Motiram, raising alarms at Sony. The company claims that Tencent used the pitched ideas to develop a near carbon copy of the product under a different name.
Sony highlights numerous overlaps, including female characters with red hair, an open-world post-apocalyptic environment, fighting animal-like machines, and tribal societies patterned after those in Horizon.
What's Next for Both Companies?
Sony seeks a court order to prevent Tencent from developing or distributing Light of Motiram and is pursuing financial damages for 'willful and deliberate' infringement. Legal experts suggest this case could set a major precedent in the gaming industry, affirming copyright protections in the digital age. As of publication, neither Tencent nor Sony's attorneys have publicly responded to the lawsuit.
This legal dispute serves as a reminder of the fine line between inspiration and imitation, as well as the increasing financial stakes involved in creating new blockbuster games.
