Breaking: Tencent has substantially altered its upcoming open-world survival game, Light of Motiram, following a copyright lawsuit filed by Sony interactive Entertainment (SIE) alleging the game was a “slavish clone” of the Horizon series. Changes include a revised release window, new key art, and a rewritten game description.
As reported by The Game Post, these modifications to the game’s Steam page have been implemented over the past week. The game, developed by Polaris Quest – a studio under Tencent’s umbrella – initially drew criticism from Horizon fans upon its November 2023 proclamation for its perceived similarities to Guerrilla Games’ franchise.
The most visible change is the replacement of the original key art, which featured a character closely resembling Aloy, the protagonist of the Horizon series. The new artwork depicts two robotic creatures, a bird and a pig.Previously, the Steam page showcased screenshots (examples of which were Horizon-like) that have also been swapped out for new images.
The game’s description has undergone a substantial rewrite. The original description,which highlighted “colossal machines” and “mechanimals,” read: “In a world overrun by colossal machines,explore the vast open world,build your base of operations,advance technology,train Mechanimals,and take on formidable bosses. Starting from the primitive age, forge a new path of advancement. Defy the machination,survive with mechanimals.”
The updated description now states: “Make smart use of everything around you to stay alive and face off against formidable bosses, every step is fraught with danger and requires courage. Only by overcoming the challenges of survival can you carve out a place for yourself in this unforgiving land.” The removal of terms like “mechanimals” and “colossal machines” represents a clear distancing from the Horizon aesthetic.
SIE filed the lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on July 18, 2024, case number 4:24-cv-03648-HSG. The suit alleges copyright infringement, claiming Light of Motiram unlawfully copies protectable elements of Horizon Zero dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. Sony specifically cited similarities in the game’s setting, character design, machines, and user interface.
According to the lawsuit, Sony estimates the Horizon franchise has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. The complaint details specific examples of alleged copying, including the game’s post-apocalyptic setting, the protagonist’s use of a bow and arrow, and the presence of robotic creatures. SIE argues that these similarities are not coincidental but rather evidence of deliberate copying.
The Steam page now lists a Q4 2027 release window for light of Motiram (SteamDB history). GamesIndustry.biz has contacted Tencent for comment.
This case highlights the increasing scrutiny of game development, particularly concerning the potential for copyright infringement in the increasingly popular open-world survival genre. The outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for future disputes involving similar allegations of cloning or substantial similarity in video games.
