Overview

• Sony filed a lawsuit on July 25 in California federal court accusing Tencent’s upcoming Light of Motiram of infringing Horizon copyrights and trademarks
• The complaint alleges the game replicates Horizon’s open-world mechanics, tribal-futuristic art style, narrative themes and lead-character design to confuse consumers
• Sony is aiming to block Motiram’s release, recover statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each infringed Horizon title and compel destruction of unauthorized materials
• Tencent approached Sony in early 2024 to license Horizon IP, a pitch Sony declined before Motiram was announced in November 2024
• The case highlights growing legal scrutiny over game design similarities and could influence future IP licensing and enforcement in the industry