Tencent, the Chinese tech giant, is currently facing legal challenges from Sony over its upcoming game Light of Motiram, which critics claim closely resembles Sony's acclaimed Horizon series. The controversy has escalated into a lawsuit, with Sony accusing Tencent of copyright infringement.

In November 2024, Tencent unveiled Light of Motiram, a futuristic survival game featuring mechanized creatures called "Mechanimals" and a red-haired, bow-wielding protagonist. Fans immediately noted the game's uncanny resemblance to Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, prompting Sony to take legal action.

Sony alleges that Light of Motiram is a "blatant clone" of its Horizon franchise, citing similarities in robotic designs, gameplay mechanics, and even the protagonist's appearance. The company is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringement, which could potentially halt the game's release and force Tencent to destroy all promotional materials.

Interestingly, court documents reveal that Tencent had previously pitched a Horizon-themed mobile game to Sony in early 2024. The proposed game, set in a post-apocalyptic Asia, would have introduced new tribes, Eastern-inspired aesthetics, and mechanized creatures based on Chinese mythology. However, Sony rejected the proposal, and months later, Light of Motiram was announced.

Sony's legal team argues that Light of Motiram lacks the unique Eastern elements proposed in Tencent's pitch, instead opting to mimic the existing Horizon games. With over 32 million copies sold worldwide, the Horizon franchise is a major revenue driver for Sony, making this lawsuit a high-stakes battle.

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