In July, Sony Interactive Entertainment initiated a high-profile lawsuit against Tencent, seeking to block the distribution of *Light of Motiram*, a video game it accused of being a nearly identical reproduction—or what Sony described as a “slavish clone”—of its acclaimed *Horizon* franchise. According to Sony, the similarities between the two titles extended far beyond mere aesthetic inspiration, raising serious concerns about both creative appropriation and intellectual property infringement. However, despite the initial intensity of this legal confrontation, the dispute has reached an unexpectedly swift conclusion. Court records filed on Wednesday reveal that the two technology and entertainment giants have reached a confidential settlement agreement, leading to the formal dismissal of the case with prejudice—an outcome that ensures the same claims cannot be brought before the court again. The nature of the settlement remains undisclosed, underscoring the private nature of these negotiations and suggesting that both corporations preferred a discreet resolution over a prolonged public courtroom battle.
Following this legal closure, the once-prominent *Light of Motiram* has all but disappeared from the major digital storefronts. As of the most recent update, the game has been removed from both Steam and the Epic Games Store, even though its official website still displays outdated links that appear to lead to the now-defunct listings. Members of the gaming community were quick to notice the removal: one attentive user on the title’s official subreddit pointed out a SteamDB entry confirming that the application has been retired and is no longer accessible to potential purchasers. This unexpected disappearance reflects the direct consequences of the lawsuit’s settlement, hinting that distribution restrictions may have been part of the confidential terms agreed upon by Sony and Tencent.
*Light of Motiram* was officially unveiled the previous year, and from the moment of its announcement, observers drew immediate visual and thematic comparisons to Sony’s *Horizon* series. The reveal trailer showcased a lush, richly textured world filled with verdant landscapes, gleaming futuristic machinery, and massive robotic creatures that bore a striking resemblance to the iconic mechanical beasts that populate *Horizon’s* post-apocalyptic environments. Sony’s legal filing accused Tencent not only of copying the audiovisual style and core design motifs of the *Horizon* universe, but also of replicating its central heroic figure. In fact, the company contended that Tencent’s marketing relied heavily on a character that Sony described as an unmistakable imitation—a cheap “rip-off”—of *Horizon’s* protagonist, Aloy, suggesting that her likeness and narrative prominence were used as the focal point of Tencent’s promotional efforts.
Within the court documents, Sony elaborated that Tencent’s alleged conduct amounted to a deliberate and unlawful duplication of protected creative content. The filing asserted that this act of copying extended to the audiovisual presentation, character design, and branding elements of the *Horizon* games, thereby violating both copyright and trademark law. The company further emphasized that these actions were not only commercially exploitative but also damaging to the broader consuming public, as they could lead to confusion over the authenticity and origin of the product. Sony therefore sought immediate injunctive relief to halt distribution of the game and to prevent what it characterized as irreversible harm to its brand, its creative team, and the gaming community at large.
Despite the legal hostilities, both organizations ultimately adopted a conciliatory tone after the dispute’s resolution. Sean Durkin, the Head of Communications for Tencent Americas, confirmed in a statement to *The Verge* that the companies had “reached a confidential resolution” and would refrain from making further public statements regarding the matter. Interestingly, Durkin also expressed optimism for future collaborations between the two entertainment powerhouses, signaling that this contentious episode may not preclude potential cooperation down the line. While Sony declined to issue an immediate comment in response to media inquiries, the dismissal of the case with prejudice effectively signals the official end of this legal saga and the beginning of a quiet détente between two of the most influential entities in the global gaming industry.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/847080/sony-tencent-lawsuit-horizon-clone-light-of-motiram-settlement
