Legal Battle Intensifies Over Alleged Game Cloning
Sony Interactive Entertainment has escalated its legal confrontation with Tencent, filing court documents that reportedly describe the Chinese company’s defense as “nonsense” in the ongoing lawsuit over the game Light of Motiram. According to sources familiar with the case, Sony claims Tencent is engaging in corporate maneuvering to avoid responsibility for what Sony alleges is a blatant copy of its Horizon franchise.
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The Core Allegations
Sony initially filed the lawsuit in July, accusing Tencent of copyright and trademark infringement for allegedly replicating numerous elements from the Horizon series. The complaint reportedly states that Light of Motiram copies Horizon’s distinctive mechanics, visual style, and even the signature Focus device used by protagonist Aloy. Industry analysts suggest the similarities were so pronounced that many observers initially mistook the game for an official Horizon series expansion or new installment.
Tencent’s Controversial Defense
According to court documents examined by The Game Post, Tencent filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that since Light of Motiram isn’t scheduled for release until 2027, Sony’s claims are premature. The report states that Tencent contends some or all of the alleged infringing elements might not appear in the final version. However, sources indicate that Tencent only added the 2027 release date to the game’s Steam page after Sony initiated legal action.
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Sony’s Forceful Rebuttal
In a 35-page filing, Sony reportedly urged the court to reject Tencent’s arguments, calling them “nonsense” and asserting that “the damage is done – and it continues.” The document allegedly accuses Tencent of playing a “shell game” with its various entities – Aurora Studios, Level Infinite, and Proxima Beta – while the parent company remains “at the helm.” Legal experts following cloning cases in the gaming industry suggest this corporate structure argument represents a significant aspect of the legal strategy.
Broader Industry Implications
Tencent’s defense reportedly extends beyond timing arguments, with the company claiming Sony is attempting to monopolize game genres and established tropes that appear across multiple titles. According to the defense filing, Tencent referenced Horizon’s own development history, noting that the game was initially paused due to similarities with another title. This case emerges amid broader industry developments affecting global technology companies.
Failed Partnership Preceded Dispute
Court documents reportedly reveal that Tencent had approached Sony with a proposal to create a game set in the Horizon universe during the 2024 Game Developers Conference. However, sources indicate Tencent failed to disclose that it had already begun developing Light of Motiram in 2023. After Sony rejected the partnership proposal, Tencent continued development of what Sony now calls an “imitator” game. The situation highlights the complex relationships between major players like Sony and Tencent in the gaming landscape.
Potential Consequences and Next Steps
Analysts suggest the outcome of this case could influence how recent technology companies approach intellectual property protection in the gaming industry. Sony has asked the court to deny Tencent’s motion to dismiss, arguing that the alleged damage to the Horizon brand has already occurred regardless of the game’s release date. The case continues as both companies navigate the legal process while monitoring market trends and related innovations in the gaming sector.
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