Horizon Media Lawsuit Sony Sues Tencent Over “Slavish Clone” of Horizon Games in Explosive Copyright Lawsuit

ByAll About Lawyer Reading Time: 9 minutes

Sony Interactive Entertainment filed a explosive lawsuit on July 25, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging Tencent’s upcoming game “Light of Motiram” is a “slavish clone” of the “Horizon Zero Dawn” and “Horizon Forbidden West” video games.

This landmark gaming copyright case represents one of the most significant intellectual property disputes in the video game industry, pitting PlayStation’s blockbuster Horizon franchise against Chinese gaming giant Tencent’s allegedly infringing Light of Motiram.

The lawsuit exposes a shocking backstory: Tencent actually pitched PlayStation in early 2024, proposing that its Aurora Studios make a Horizon game. Sony declined. Then Tencent proceeded to develop what Sony calls a blatant copy.

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PlayStation is seeking to “prevent the imminent release of ‘Light of Motiram’ — a slavish clone of SIE’s immensely popular, award-winning Horizon series of video games. Tencent’s copying of Horizon is so blatant that the public has described it as ‘crazy,’ ‘insane,’ and ‘shameless.'”

The lawsuit details how Tencent also used its rip-off of the iconic Horizon main character ‘Aloy’ as the centerpiece of its pre-release marketing and promotional strategy, deliberately causing numerous game lovers to confuse ‘Light of Motiram’ as the next game in the ‘Horizon’ series when encountering Tencent’s promotional game play videos and social media accounts.

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Horizon Media Lawsuit Sony Sues Tencent Over "Slavish Clone" of Horizon Games in Explosive Copyright Lawsuit

Specific Elements of Alleged Copying

Game Setting and World Design Both games feature post-apocalyptic worlds dominated by robotic creatures in lush, overgrown environments.

Character Design Similarities The lawsuit alleges Tencent copied Horizon’s iconic protagonist Aloy for their marketing materials.

Gameplay Mechanics Similar hunting mechanics, technological progression systems, and open-world exploration elements.

The Failed Partnership Proposal

The most eyebrow-raising part of the suit is Sony’s claim that Tencent pitched PlayStation in early 2024, proposing that its Aurora Studios make a Horizon game. Sony says it declined.

Sony’s Discovery of Ongoing Development

Tencent didn’t share that they already had Light of Motiram in development, Sony’s lawyers say. Shortly after, in 2024, Tencent put up its Steam page for Light of Motiram.

This timeline suggests Tencent may have been developing their allegedly infringing game while simultaneously proposing a legitimate collaboration with Sony.

Detailed Comparison: Horizon vs Light of Motiram

Official Game Descriptions

Tencent’s Light of Motiram: “In a world overrun by colossal machines, explore the vast open world, build your base of operations, advance technology, train Mechanimals, and take on formidable bosses. Starting from the primitive age, forge a new path of development. Defy the machination, survive with mechanimals.”

Sony’s Horizon Zero Dawn: “In a far future where colossal machines roam and rule the Earth, pockets of humanity survive in unique tribes among the lush, overgrown ruins of our long-lost civilization. Take up bow and spear as Aloy, a young machine hunter and outcast of her tribe, as she discovers her origins, the truth of this mysterious world, and her own destiny to save it from impending doom.”

The similarities in core concepts – machine-dominated worlds, tribal survivors, and technological progression – form the basis of Sony’s copyright infringement claims.

Public Reaction and Industry Response

Many online observers immediately noticed the striking similarities when Light of Motiram was announced in late 2024, with widespread social media commentary about the apparent copying.

The public has described Tencent’s copying as ‘crazy,’ ‘insane,’ and ‘shameless,’ according to Sony’s court filing, indicating widespread recognition of the similarities.

Sony’s lawsuit includes comprehensive intellectual property violations:

  • Copyright infringement of the Horizon video game series
  • Trademark infringement of Horizon-related marks
  • Unfair competition claims under federal law

Monetary Damages Requested

The lawsuit requests statutory damages of $150,000 for each separate work in the “Horizon” franchise infringed or of “SIE’s actual damages sustained as a result of Defendants’ acts of copyright infringement,” as well as other monetary damages.

With multiple Horizon games potentially infringed, total damages could reach hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

Injunctive Relief Sought

Beyond monetary damages, Sony seeks to prevent Light of Motiram’s release entirely, requesting court orders to:

  • Stop distribution of the allegedly infringing game
  • Halt promotional activities using copied elements
  • Destroy infringing materials and promotional content
Horizon Media Lawsuit Sony Sues Tencent Over "Slavish Clone" of Horizon Games in Explosive Copyright Lawsuit

Video games receive comprehensive copyright protection covering:

  • Audiovisual elements (graphics, animations, cutscenes)
  • Character designs and distinctive visual elements
  • Original artistic expressions in world design
  • Narrative elements and story progression

The term “slavish clone” in copyright law indicates copying so extensive that it goes beyond inspiration to outright infringement. Key factors courts consider:

Substantial Similarity Test Courts examine whether an ordinary observer would recognize the alleged copy as having been appropriated from the copyrighted work.

Access and Copying Sony can likely prove Tencent had access to Horizon games, given their widespread availability and Tencent’s own collaboration proposal.

Protected Expression vs Ideas While the basic idea of “robots in post-apocalyptic world” isn’t copyrightable, specific character designs, world details, and artistic expressions can be protected.

Tencent’s Response and Defense Strategy

Corporate Silence Strategy

Representatives for both PlayStation and Tencent did not immediately respond to request for comment Monday.

Tencent’s initial silence may indicate they’re developing a comprehensive legal defense strategy.

Potential Defense Arguments

Independent Creation Tencent might argue Light of Motiram was independently developed without copying Sony’s work.

Scenes à Faire Doctrine They could claim similarities result from standard elements common to the post-apocalyptic gaming genre.

Fair Use Claims Though unlikely to succeed for commercial copying, Tencent might attempt fair use arguments.

Recent Developments and Case Updates

Steam Page Modifications

The Tencent survival game being sued by Sony quietly purges most Horizon-like content from its Steam page, bumps release date to late 2027.

This significant change suggests Tencent is attempting damage control and possibly removing the most obviously infringing elements.

Release Date Impact

The delay from original timeline to late 2027 indicates the lawsuit has already substantially impacted Tencent’s development and marketing plans.

Industry Impact and Precedential Value

This case represents a major test of copyright protection in the gaming industry, particularly regarding:

  • International enforcement against Chinese companies
  • Pre-release injunctive relief for unreleased games
  • Character design protection in video games

Implications for Game Developers

The lawsuit sends a strong message about:

  • Collaboration ethics in game development partnerships
  • Inspiration vs copying boundaries in game design
  • International copyright enforcement capabilities

Case Information

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Filing Date: July 25, 2025 Case Type: Copyright and Trademark Infringement Plaintiff: Sony Interactive Entertainment Defendant: Tencent Holdings Ltd. and related entities

Preliminary Injunction Hearing Sony will likely seek immediate court orders to prevent Light of Motiram’s release.

Discovery Phase Both sides will exchange evidence, including development documents and internal communications.

Expert Testimony Gaming industry experts will likely testify about similarities and industry standards.

Broader Gaming Industry Context

This lawsuit joins notable video game copyright disputes including:

Chinese Gaming Market Implications

The case highlights ongoing tensions between:

  • Western IP holders and Chinese game developers
  • International copyright enforcement challenges
  • Cross-border gaming collaboration risks

Gaming law experts view this case as potentially precedent-setting for several reasons:

Clear Documentation of Copying Process The rejected collaboration proposal creates a compelling narrative of intentional infringement.

Public Recognition of Similarities Widespread social media commentary supports Sony’s claims of obvious copying.

Commercial Impact Evidence Consumer confusion between the games strengthens trademark infringement claims.

Settlement Possibilities and Outcomes

Likely Settlement Scenarios

Licensing Agreement Tencent could pay royalties to officially license Horizon elements.

Game Modification Settlement Tencent might agree to substantially modify Light of Motiram to remove infringing elements.

Monetary Settlement with Withdrawal Tencent could pay damages and abandon the Light of Motiram project entirely.

Trial Outcome Predictions

If the case proceeds to trial, Sony appears to have strong evidence based on:

  • Documented similarities between the games
  • Timeline evidence of Tencent’s knowledge of Horizon
  • Public recognition of the copying
  • Commercial harm through consumer confusion

FAQ: Sony vs Tencent Horizon Lawsuit

What is the Sony Tencent lawsuit about?

Sony Interactive Entertainment sued Tencent for copyright and trademark infringement, alleging Tencent’s upcoming game “Light of Motiram” is a “slavish clone” of Sony’s Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West games.

When was the Sony Tencent lawsuit filed?

The lawsuit was filed on July 25, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

What damages is Sony seeking from Tencent?

Sony requests statutory damages of $150,000 for each infringed Horizon work, plus actual damages and other monetary relief. Total damages could reach hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

Did Tencent approach Sony before making Light of Motiram?

Yes, according to the lawsuit, Tencent pitched Sony in early 2024 proposing that Aurora Studios make a Horizon game. Sony declined, but Tencent apparently was already developing Light of Motiram without disclosing this.

What makes Light of Motiram similar to Horizon games?

Both games feature post-apocalyptic worlds dominated by robotic creatures, similar character designs (particularly copying Aloy), comparable gameplay mechanics, and nearly identical marketing descriptions.

Has Tencent responded to Sony’s lawsuit?

Representatives for both companies did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. However, Tencent has quietly modified Light of Motiram’s Steam page and delayed its release to late 2027.

A “slavish clone” refers to copying so extensive and obvious that it clearly constitutes copyright infringement rather than mere inspiration, involving substantial similarity to protected creative expressions.

Could Sony win the lawsuit against Tencent?

Sony appears to have a strong case based on documented similarities, timeline evidence showing Tencent’s knowledge of Horizon, widespread public recognition of copying, and evidence of consumer confusion.

What happens to Light of Motiram if Sony wins?

If Sony obtains injunctive relief, Light of Motiram could be prevented from releasing entirely, or Tencent might be required to substantially modify the game to remove infringing elements.

Is this the first time Tencent has been sued for copying games?

While Tencent has faced various legal challenges, this appears to be one of the most high-profile copyright infringement cases specifically alleging systematic copying of a major Western gaming franchise.

The Sony vs Tencent Horizon lawsuit represents more than a typical intellectual property dispute. It embodies the complex dynamics of international gaming collaboration, the boundaries of creative inspiration, and the enforcement of copyright protection in the digital age.

Sony had discussions with Tencent trying to informally resolve its concern that Light of Motiram violated its intellectual property rights before filing suit, suggesting Sony attempted diplomatic resolution before pursuing litigation.

The case will likely establish important precedents for:

  • Pre-release copyright enforcement in gaming
  • International IP protection for Western game developers
  • Collaboration ethics in gaming partnerships
  • Character design protection in video games

With Light of Motiram’s release now delayed until late 2027 and substantial modifications apparently underway, the lawsuit has already achieved significant practical impact regardless of the final legal outcome.

This landmark case will be closely watched by gaming industry professionals, intellectual property attorneys, and international business observers as it unfolds in federal court.

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This article provides general legal information about ongoing litigation and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult with qualified intellectual property attorneys for specific guidance regarding copyright and trademark matters.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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