Sony sues Tencent for copying Horizon Zero Dawn

Sony Interactive Entertainment has accused Tencent of copyright infringement and requested an injunction against the release of Light of Motiram.
Sony has filed a lawsuit against China’s Tencent, claiming that Light of Motiram illegally copies key elements of the Horizon franchise. The lawsuit was reported by Reuters. According to the plaintiff, Tencent has reproduced not only the plot and visual style of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, but also the approach to the design of content on the Internet.
The game Light of Motiram was officially announced by Tencent in November 2024. It’s an open-world action adventure game with hunting and survival elements, set in a post-apocalyptic universe where tribes of humans coexist with machines – a similarity to Horizon, according to Sony.
Sony considers Light of Motiram a “frame-by-frame clone”
In a statement of claim, Sony listed many overlaps between its series and Tencent’s new game. These include the setting, character design, and visual and gameplay elements suggested back in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. Similarities to the recently announced Lego Horizon Adventures are also mentioned.

It’s emphatic that Tencent had been suggesting to Sony even before the announcement of Light of Motiram that they create a joint game based on Horizon. The Chinese company suggested developing a mobile version with an “oriental aesthetic” and incorporating elements such as survival, crafting, pet taming and multiplayer modes. However, following Sony’s rejection, Tencent released its own game, retaining the proposed mechanics and visuals, which the plaintiff argues is a copyright infringement.
After Sony’s rejection, Tencent released its own game, retaining the proposed mechanics and visuals, which the plaintiff argues is a copyright infringement.
Sony seeks injunction and compensation
Sony is seeking an injunction against further development and distribution of Light of Motiram. The company also insists on compensation for damages and the destruction of all materials related to the project.
Sony is also seeking an injunction against the development and distribution of Light of Motiram.
It’s now up to Tencent to prove that its game doesn’t violate Sony’s rights. Given the facts as described, that won’t be easy.
The Sony sues Tencent for copying Horizon Zero Dawn was first published at itzine.ru.