Sony Sues Tencent Over Horizon Lookalike Game

Sony has taken legal action against Tencent in a U.S. court, claiming the Chinese tech giant’s upcoming game Light of Motiram is a blatant copy of the Horizon franchise. According to the complaint, the game mimics key elements of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, Sony’s critically acclaimed open-world titles developed by Guerrilla Games.

Sony’s lawsuit points to a 2024 interaction where Tencent had allegedly proposed a Horizon-themed game collaboration. After Sony declined, Tencent announced Light of Motiram, which Sony now describes as an unauthorized imitation.

The game, set in a post-apocalyptic world and featuring tameable mechanical creatures, struck many as too close to the look and feel of Horizon, sparking immediate comparisons online.

While the game is being developed by Tencent’s Polaris Quest studio, Sony argues that its visual themes, gameplay systems, and narrative structure are derivative enough to mislead consumers. The complaint also raises concerns that the similarities could create confusion about any official connection between the two titles.

Sony is asking the court to block the release of Light of Motiram in its current form and is seeking financial damages. If granted, the injunction could force Tencent to rework significant portions of the game before launch.

This lawsuit comes as Horizon continues to be a cornerstone franchise for Sony, with total global sales now exceeding 38 million units. With the case still pending, the outcome could shape how future copyright disputes in the gaming world are handled, especially those involving artistic and thematic overlap.