Tencent is challenging a lawsuit filed by Sony, which alleges that Tencent`s upcoming game, “Light of Motiram,” heavily imitates Sony`s popular “Horizon” series. The dispute arose late last year when players and Sony alike noticed striking visual similarities between the titles. Tencent is now seeking to have the case dismissed, arguing that Sony`s claims lack substance and are without merit.
In its motion to dismiss, Tencent accuses Sony of attempting to unfairly monopolize a common cultural theme, suggesting that Sony`s assertion of “Horizon Zero Dawn`s” unparalleled originality is contradicted by the game`s own creators. Tencent views Sony`s stance as an “impermissible monopoly on genre conventions,” rather than a legitimate claim of unique intellectual property.
Tencent further supports its argument by citing “Horizon Zero Dawn`s” art director, Jan-Bart Van Beek, who acknowledged in a behind-the-scenes documentary the game`s resemblance to an earlier title, “Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.” According to Tencent, Sony had initially put “Horizon” on hold precisely because of these perceived similarities before eventually moving forward with its development.
Sony`s original complaint referenced a meeting in March 2024 concerning a potential “Horizon” mobile spin-off, which Sony ultimately rejected. While Tencent confirms a meeting took place, it stresses that no executives or employees from Tencent Holdings were present. It also argues that Sony has failed to demonstrate any specific harm resulting from actions taken at this meeting.
Furthermore, Tencent contends that entities like Tencent Holdings, Tencent America, and Proxima Beta U.S. should be excluded from the lawsuit because Sony has not adequately substantiated its allegations against them. “Light of Motiram” is being developed by Polaris Quest / Aurora Studios and Proxima Beta PTE Ltd., a subsidiary based in Singapore, both affiliated with Tencent.
Tencent highlights that since “Light of Motiram” has not yet been released, the alleged copyright infringements are theoretical and may never actually materialize.
Following Sony`s lawsuit, Tencent promptly altered several visual elements on “Light of Motiram`s” Steam page, removing the imagery that closely resembled the “Horizon” games. “Light of Motiram” is anticipated to launch in 2027.