Tencent Unveils Sneaky Update for “Light of Motiram”: A Refresh for the Controversial Horizon Clone on Steam!

Tencent recently made changes to the Steam page for its new game, *Light of Motiram*, shortly after Sony filed a copyright lawsuit against them. This lawsuit claims that Tencent copied elements from Sony’s *Horizon* series, particularly in their depiction of mechanized creatures.

Released by Tencent’s studio, Polaris Quest, *Light of Motiram* is a post-apocalyptic survival game. Players explore a world filled with robotic animal-like beings, drawing inevitable comparisons to *Horizon*.

In July, Sony took legal action, saying that Tencent proceeded with the game despite rejecting their request to license the IP. They described *Light of Motiram* as a “slavish clone” of their popular franchise.

Despite the lawsuit, Tencent has not made any public statements. However, their actions on Steam speak volumes. Changes noted on SteamDB indicate that various graphics and promotional materials have been altered or removed to distance *Light of Motiram* from *Horizon*. For instance, the game’s cover image was updated from an earlier version that resembled *Horizon* to a new one that looks less similar.

Furthermore, the game’s description has also shifted. Originally, it talked about exploring a world filled with colossal machines and training mechanimals. The new description emphasizes survival and the dangers players will face, highlighting the challenge ahead.

In the gaming community, user reactions are mixed. Some players are intrigued by the game’s premise, while others express concern over originality. Social media trends indicate a growing discussion about the fine line between inspiration and imitation in the gaming industry.

As for industry experts, many emphasize the importance of unique storytelling in video games. According to a 2022 survey by the Entertainment Software Association, originality in game design is a significant factor for gamers when choosing what to play. This situation with Tencent could prompt broader conversations about this theme.

In a time when franchises regularly draw from one another, the outcome of this legal dispute may set a precedent for what constitutes fair use in gaming. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming months, especially as Sony also prepares for a movie adaptation of its *Horizon* series.

For more on gaming laws and their impact, you can check the full details on copyright from the UK Intellectual Property Office here.

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