The Horizon franchise continues to shine as one of Sony’s standout titles, earning acclaim not only for its sales but also its exceptional quality. Its popularity has caught the eye of Tencent, which attempted to create a clone of the game, leading to a significant copyright dispute where Sony filed a lawsuit.
In response to the legal turmoil, Tencent’s clone, named Light of Motiram, has undergone a makeover. The new iteration features updated visuals and content, effectively distancing itself from the original Horizon assets. Notably, all promotional materials, including the Steam page, have been revised to eliminate any similarities. Furthermore, the game’s release has been delayed until the fourth quarter of 2027, providing Tencent ample time to ensure uniqueness.
This situation escalated when Sony accused Tencent of severe copyright infringement, claiming that Light of Motiram replicated its story, characters, art style, and overall world. The lawsuit’s description of Motiram as a “shameless… slavish clone” resonated, particularly as Sony fans cleverly coined the term “Horizon Zero Originality” to describe the game.
The pressure from Sony’s lawsuit seems to have compelled Tencent to act decisively. The company has postponed the release and scrubbed any possible indications of copying Horizon. Before these changes, many observers found it challenging to differentiate between the two titles, so it is no surprise that such action was necessary.
Curiously, the resolution of this legal saga remains uncertain. While Light of Motiram has made strides to stand apart, the sincerity of these modifications might not pacify a dissatisfied Sony.
How did Sony respond to Tencent’s game?
Sony filed a copyright lawsuit against Tencent, alleging that Light of Motiram closely mirrored its Horizon franchise in terms of content and design.
Will Light of Motiram be controversial among gamers?
Given its origins as a clone, Light of Motiram may face skepticism from gamers, impacting its acceptance in the community.
What is the new release date for Light of Motiram?
The game is now set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2027, a significant delay from its original schedule.
What changes have been made to Light of Motiram?
Tencent has revamped the game with new visuals and content and removed all references to Horizon to avoid copyright issues.
What might be the future of Tencent following this lawsuit?
While Tencent has adjusted Light of Motiram, the outcome of the legal situation with Sony could affect its reputation and future projects.
There’s a lot to unpack in the rapidly evolving world of gaming, especially when it comes to legal battles like this one. Be sure to keep an eye on developments surrounding Light of Motiram, and for more insights on gaming and technology, explore content at Moyens I/O.