In a significant development for the global gaming industry, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Chinese tech giant Tencent have reached a confidential settlement, putting an end to a high-profile legal battle. The dispute centred on Tencent's game Light of Motiram, which Sony had accused of being a blatant copy of its acclaimed Horizon series.
The Swift End of a "Slavish Clone"
The conflict reached its conclusion just months after Sony initiated legal proceedings in July. The Japanese conglomerate filed a lawsuit to block the release of Light of Motiram, labelling it a "slavish clone" of its popular franchise featuring protagonist Aloy. Sony's legal complaint argued that Tencent had engaged in unlawful copying of protected audiovisual elements and used a confusingly similar character mark, constituting copyright and trademark infringement.
According to recently filed court documents, the case has now been dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. While the specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the most visible outcome is the complete removal of Light of Motiram from major digital storefronts. The game is no longer available for purchase or download on either Steam or the Epic Games Store.
Game Vanishes, Links Remain
The removal is effectively a clear victory for Sony. A check of the game's official website reveals that links to Steam and Epic Games Store are still listed, but clicking them leads to pages confirming the title's unavailability. This status was further corroborated by a SteamDB entry, noted by users on the game's official subreddit, which states the game "has been retired and is no longer available on the Steam store."
The controversy ignited last year when Tencent unveiled the game's trailer. It showcased environments, futuristic technology, and large animal-like robots that bore striking resemblances to the world of Horizon. Sony's lawsuit specifically highlighted that Tencent used a character modelled as a "rip-off" of Aloy as the focal point for its marketing campaigns.
Statements and Future Implications
In a joint statement provided to The Verge, Sean Durkin, Head of Communications for Tencent Americas, said, "SIE and Tencent are pleased to have reached a confidential resolution and will have no further public comment on this matter. SIE and Tencent look forward to working together in the future."
This case is notable for the speed of its resolution. Major intellectual property disputes in gaming often drag on for years, but this was settled within months of the initial filing. The rapid removal of the game from storefronts underscores the strength of Sony's claims and sets a precedent for protecting distinctive game worlds and characters from imitation.
For the gaming community and developers in India and worldwide, this settlement reinforces the importance of intellectual property rights in an industry driven by unique creative vision. It signals that even industry giants like Tencent are not immune to legal challenges when perceived to overstep those boundaries.
