In a legal confrontation, Sony has filed a copyright lawsuit against Tencent, claiming its upcoming game, Light of Motiram, is a blatant copy of Horizon Zero Dawn. Sony argues that the similarities, including identical gameplay mechanics, visual styles, and character designs, infringe on its intellectual property and jeopardize the franchise's future. The lawsuit follows Tencent’s modification of promotional materials for Light of Motiram after the initial accusations surfaced. Sony is seeking a preliminary injunction to halt Tencent’s promotional efforts until the court deliberates on the lawsuit, arguing that the ongoing confusion has disrupted the development strategy for Horizon. This legal battle highlights the growing concern over originality in the gaming industry.

What is the lawsuit about between Sony and Tencent?

The lawsuit centers around allegations that Tencent's Light of Motiram is a "knock-off" of Sony's Horizon Zero Dawn, with claims of extensive similarities in gameplay, character designs, and overall visual style that infringe on Sony's copyright.

Horizon Zero Dawn, developed by Guerrilla Games and released in 2017, has received critical acclaim for its stunning open-world design and innovative gameplay, featuring a world inhabited by mechanized creatures. The game follows protagonist Aloy as she navigates a post-apocalyptic landscape, battling robotic enemies while unraveling her past and the world's mysteries. As both a commercial success and a cultural touchstone, Horizon Zero Dawn set a high bar for excellence in the action RPG genre, which now faces challenges from claims of intellectual property theft spurred by similar titles in development.