Sony is taking legal action against Tencent for allegedly creating a game that closely resembles its popular Horizon franchise. The game in question, Light of Motiram, is accused of being a "slavish clone" of both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, featuring mechanized creatures and a similar aesthetic. Sony claims that Tencent started developing Light of Motiram after a failed pitch to collaborate on a Horizon game. They allege that promotional materials for Light of Motiram have confused consumers and misappropriated elements from the Horizon games, including gameplay mechanics, story themes, and artwork. As a result, Sony has filed a lawsuit in California federal court to protect its intellectual property rights.
What are the key similarities between Light of Motiram and the Horizon games?Light of Motiram shares significant similarities with Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West in terms of gameplay mechanics, character design, and thematic elements. Sony's lawsuit highlights the close resemblance between the art style and promotional materials, which include the use of similar landscapes and even comparable music.
The Horizon series, developed by Guerrilla Games, has garnered massive attention since the release of its first title in 2017. The franchise is known for its rich storytelling, engaging open-world gameplay, and striking visual aesthetics involving robotic creatures. With a film adaptation on the way, the Horizon brand's value continues to rise, making legal protection against potential infringements like this lawsuit even more crucial.
Comments
Tencent’s slavish clone accusation is bold, but given Horizon’s distinct aesthetic, it’s hard to ignore the parallels. If true, this feels less like inspiration and more like a shortcut—curious how the courts will weigh in.
Wow, another 'inspired by' situation—feels like deja vu in the gaming industry. If the similarities are as blatant as Sony claims, Tencent might need to rethink their 'homage' strategy.
Kinda wild how often big studios push the line between 'tribute' and straight-up cloning. Hope this case sets a clear precedent for IP protection in gaming.