ENTERTAINMENT

A Legal Battle Over Gaming Inspiration

Tue Jul 29 2025

A huge fight is unfolding between two gaming titans. Sony has filed a lawsuit against Tencent, accusing the company of copying its critically acclaimed game, Horizon Zero Dawn.

The Allegations

Tencent's upcoming game, Light of Motiram, bears striking similarities to Horizon. The lawsuit claims that Tencent's game copies key elements, including:

  • The machines that roam the world
  • The main character's design, reminiscent of Aloy

Sony is seeking to block the release of Light of Motiram and is demanding substantial damages.

Behind the Scenes

The lawsuit reveals that Tencent approached Sony about collaborating on a mobile version of Horizon. Sony declined, but Tencent's pitch allegedly included ideas that mirrored Horizon, albeit with some modifications.

The Evidence

The trailer for Light of Motiram features machines and a protagonist that closely resemble those in Horizon. Sony has requested that Tencent hand over all marketing materials that highlight these similarities.

Beyond Horizon

Light of Motiram isn't just inspired by Horizon. The game also incorporates elements from other popular titles, such as:

  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Destiny 2

Tencent is introducing new features as well, including co-op play and base-building.

Fan Reactions

Fans have taken notice, with many online comments joking about the similarities. Sony's lawsuit references these discussions, criticizing Tencent for a lack of originality.

The Bigger Picture

This legal battle raises important questions about inspiration versus copying in the gaming industry. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future disputes.

questions

    How does Tencent's Light of Motiram differ significantly from Sony's Horizon series beyond the surface-level changes?
    How do legal battles over game similarities impact innovation and creativity in game development?
    Could Sony's lawsuit be a strategic move to stifle competition and maintain dominance in the open-world gaming market?

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