Shocking Lawsuit: Horizon Faces Backlash for Copycat Artwork Removal!

Sony is taking legal action against Tencent over its new game, Light of Motiram, claiming it closely resembles Horizon Zero Dawn. This lawsuit comes shortly after Tencent updated the game’s Steam page, changing its artwork and descriptions.

The changes include a new main character design featuring a robotic owl instead of the previous headgear reminiscent of Aloy from Horizon. While the game is now set to release in late 2027, Sony aims to halt its progress.

Originally, the game’s description referred to a world filled with machines and survival, reflecting a strong connection to Horizon. The revised version is less obvious but still hints at survival challenges against formidable bosses.

Sony’s lawsuit, filed on July 25, accuses Tencent of blatant copyright infringement. The company argues that this could mislead gamers into thinking Light of Motiram is part of the Horizon series. They are seeking $150,000 in damages and want to access all game materials for possible destruction.

Interestingly, before filing the lawsuit, Tencent had approached Sony for permission to use the Horizon IP for a mobile game that would take Aloy on a journey through Asia. Sony declined the proposal, possibly convincing them that Light of Motiram was not an independent project but a sly attempt to capitalize on their successful franchise.

In this fast-evolving digital landscape, cases like these highlight the importance of originality in game design. Experts emphasize that while inspiration is common, clear imitation can lead to serious legal consequences. This situation serves as a reminder to game developers about the balance needed between creativity and legality.

For further insights on gaming and IP law, check out GameSpot.

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Tencent, PS5, Light of Motiram