Unraveling the Controversy: Sony Slams Tencent’s Defense in Horizon Clone Lawsuit, Fans Demand Justice for ‘Obvious Copying’

Sony has hit back against Tencent in an ongoing legal dispute. The heart of the matter? Sony claims that Tencent’s upcoming mobile game, *Light of Motiram*, is a blatant copy of its popular franchise, *Horizon*. This lawsuit has heated up since it was filed in July, when Sony called the game a “slavish clone” and highlighted similarities in characters, settings, and even music.

Tencent, however, has countered this claim by arguing that the lawsuit is premature. They assert that no real infringement has occurred yet. Instead, they suggest that Sony is trying to monopolize certain gaming ideas and styles that are widely used by many titles, such as *The Legend of Zelda* and *Far Cry*.

Recently, Sony filed a detailed 35-page court document, dismissing Tencent’s defense as “nonsense.” They argue that Tencent has been using a complex network of subsidiaries, like Aurora Studios and Level Infinite, to avoid responsibility. Sony insists that Tencent Holdings, the parent company, is ultimately in charge and should be held liable for the game.

One particularly contentious point is about the timing of the game’s release. Tencent has pushed back the launch date to late 2027, claiming that this makes the case irrelevant. However, Sony maintains that the harm has already been done through marketing materials and promotional videos that have confused the public. Social media and gaming forums have buzzed with reactions, with fans understandably upset, calling out the game as a clear imitation.

In their filings, Sony also argues that *Light of Motiram* borrows heavily from the look and narrative of *Horizon*, down to the hiring of a composer who worked on *Horizon Forbidden West*. The confusion among fans is evident; many have pointed out the striking similarities between the two games. Publications have quoted players and journalists, describing *Light of Motiram* as a “major Horizon rip-off” and calling its main character a direct look-alike of Horizon’s iconic Aloy.

Experts in the gaming industry point to this lawsuit as a crucial case that could shape how similar games are developed in the future. According to a recent survey by the International Game Developers Association, nearly 60% of respondents believe that intellectual property issues in gaming are becoming more prominent, highlighting the need for clear guidelines to manage creativity and competition.

Sony’s legal team emphasizes that trademark infringement is at the core of their case. They argue that Aloy isn’t just a character; she represents the entire *Horizon* brand. Her recognizable features and attributes are now iconic for many PlayStation gamers. Sony insists that Tencent’s use of a character resembling Aloy in *Light of Motiram* confuses consumers, which they highlight as a severe breach of trademark laws.

As this legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret these claims. Sony wants the court to reject Tencent’s motion to dismiss, paving the way for further examination of the evidence, including internal communications from Tencent regarding the game’s development.

The case raises a significant question: How much influence do established franchises have on new game developments? As fans continue to engage on social media, the conversation grows richer. Will the clash between these two gaming giants end in a precedent-setting decision, or will it fizzle out? Only time will tell.

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