Sony files lawsuit against Tencent over game clone

The lawsuit claims Tencent's Light of Motiram is a copy of Sony's Horizon series.

Sony files lawsuit against Tencent over Horizon franchise clone

Sony has initiated legal action against Tencent, claiming that Tencent's upcoming game, Light of Motiram, is a blatant clone of its renowned Horizon franchise. Reuters reported that Sony seeks a jury trial, aiming to prevent the game's release. The company argues that Light of Motiram shares striking similarities with Horizon, particularly its main character, Aloy, and themes of survival in a world filled with robotic creatures. In the lawsuit, Sony describes Tencent's actions as causing confusion among gamers, believing Light of Motiram is a continuation of the Horizon series. Prior to the lawsuit, Sony had rejected Tencent's proposal to create a Horizon game together, stating they considered the matter settled. Despite this, Sony alleges that Tencent proceeded to develop their own game without permission, disregarding their attempts to resolve the issue amicably.

This lawsuit underscores the growing tension between major gaming companies over intellectual property rights. As the gaming industry becomes increasingly competitive, companies are under pressure to protect their assets. Sony's claims highlight the delicate balance between inspiration and imitation in game design. With franchises like Horizon being critically acclaimed, the stakes for both companies are high. This case could set important precedents regarding the boundaries of game design and originality, affecting how future games are developed and marketed.

Highlights

This lawsuit may influence future collaborations in the gaming sector.