Sony has intensified its fight against Tencent in the US. ongoing lawsuit Light of Motiram significantly intensified. In a recent 35-page court document, Sony describes Tencent's defense as "nonsense“and accuses the corporation of hiding behind Shell Companies to avoid responsibility.”
Background: Sony had already sued Tencent in July because Light of Motiram The lawsuit alleges that Horizon is a "Slavic" copy. It details Horizon-specific elements such as the world, characters, creatures, and music. Tencent responded in September with a motion to dismiss the action, argued that the game had not yet been released and they did not want a "monopoly on genre conventions".
The dispute over release and marketing
Sony counters that the delay to 2027 does not undo the damage already done. "The damage is done – and it continues," the lawsuit states. According to Sony, trailers, screenshots, and marketing materials have already been released globally, including on US platforms such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, YouTube, and Discord. Players and the press immediately recognized and criticized the striking similarity to Horizon.
Furthermore, Sony criticizes Tencent for specifically targeting the US market. The company operates Light of Motiram through subsidiaries such as Aurora Studios, Level Infinite and Proxima Beta, but the parent company Tencent Holdings is the real head, registers the trademark rights in the USA and operates the domain lightofmotiram.com.
A Horizon clone so obvious that fans are raising the alarm.
Sony argues that the main character of Light of Motiram Strongly reminiscent of Aloy from Horizon – red hair, distinctive clothing, similar bow. Fans and journalists immediately noticed this, with many calling the game a "Horizon rip-off" or "obvious clone." According to Sony, Tencent is using the similarity as a marketing tool, thereby exploiting Horizon's reputation.
The lawsuit highlights that even large publishers like Tencent cannot develop games closely based on existing franchises without facing legal risks. For players, this means that Horizon fans could be better protected in the future, at least in the US.
Sony is now demanding that Tencent's motion to dismiss be rejected and, if necessary, that the lawsuit be expanded, including a potential discovery phase involving internal documents and witness testimony. The proceedings could drag on for months while Tencent continues to adjust its marketing strategy.
