Sony has filed a lawsuit in a California court against Tencent, alleging that the Chinese company’s upcoming game, Light of Motiram, is a ‘slavish clone’ of its Horizon series. The lawsuit highlights significant similarities between the two games, including their post-apocalyptic settings and red-haired female protagonists. This is not the first time Sony has faced such allegations; previously, Tencent had approached Sony for licensing deals in 2024, which were rejected twice by the company.
The complaint outlines the extensive similarities between the games, stating that the design, narrative, and gameplay mechanics of Light of Motiram closely mirror those of the Horizon series. This has raised concerns about intellectual property infringement and the potential for market confusion. The legal action comes as part of Sony’s broader efforts to protect its intellectual property and maintain the uniqueness of its franchises.
Tencent, a major player in the global gaming industry, has not yet responded to the lawsuit. However, the case has sparked discussions within the gaming community about the importance of originality and the challenges of maintaining creative integrity in a competitive market. Analysts suggest that if Tencent is found guilty of intellectual property infringement, it could face significant financial penalties and reputational damage.