Sony Sues Tencent Over Alleged Horizon Zero Dawn Clone
Sony has filed a lawsuit against Tencent, accusing the Chinese tech giant of copying nearly every aspect of its Horizon franchise for an upcoming open-world hunting game called Light of Motiram. The legal action highlights striking similarities between Tencent’s game and Sony’s Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, and Lego Horizon Adventures.
According to the lawsuit, Light of Motiram replicates key elements of the Horizon series, including its post-apocalyptic setting where human tribes coexist with machines. Sony also claims Tencent copied visual designs of characters, landscapes, and even promotional materials. The resemblance was so apparent that gaming outlets, including Engadget, noted the similarities when Tencent first announced the game in November 2024.
One of the most damaging allegations in Sony’s case is that Tencent initially sought to license the Horizon intellectual property before developing Light of Motiram. Sony claims Tencent proposed a collaboration to create a mobile game featuring Eastern aesthetics, survival mechanics, crafting, and multiplayer modes. After Sony rejected the offer, Tencent moved forward with its own game, incorporating many of the same mechanics and visual elements from Horizon.
Sony is now seeking an injunction to block the development and release of Light of Motiram. The company also demands financial compensation and the destruction of all materials related to the game. Tencent has yet to respond publicly, but the lawsuit presents a significant challenge for the company given the extensive similarities between the two franchises.
The case underscores the growing tensions in the gaming industry over intellectual property rights, particularly as major players expand into new markets. If successful, Sony’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. For now, all eyes are on Tencent to see how it will defend itself against these allegations.
