Controversy: “Light of Motiram” Changes Story and Visuals After Sony Lawsuit Over Horizon Similarities
Accused of being a “blatant clone” of Horizon, Tencent’s game undergoes a complete overhaul to distance itself from Sony’s franchise.
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After Sony lawsuit, “Light of Motiram” changes art, story, and delays release to avoid comparisons with the Horizon franchise.
The legal battle between Sony and Tencent over the game Light of Motiram has taken a new turn. After being accused by the Japanese giant of copying Horizon, the game’s Steam page has been completely revamped, featuring visual, textual, and scheduling changes.
Initially, Light of Motiram showcased a world heavily inspired by Horizon: massive machines dominating the land, mechanical creatures known as “mechanimals,” and even a protagonist strikingly similar to Aloy. Now, the official description focuses on survival in a hostile environment, leaving out any references to robots or advanced technology.
The main artwork was also replaced, removing the Aloy-like character and adding two robotic creatures — one resembling a penguin and the other a dog. Several screenshots were deleted, replaced with images showcasing only the game’s open world, avoiding direct comparisons to Sony’s hit franchise.
Another significant change is the release date, now set for the fourth quarter of 2027, likely due to the pressure from ongoing legal action.
Sony’s lawsuit claims Tencent copied not only gameplay and story elements but also the artistic style of Horizon. According to Sony, before revealing Light of Motiram, Tencent had proposed a collaboration to create a new Horizon title — a proposal that was declined.
This dispute reignites the discussion about the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism in the gaming industry, highlighting how blurred that boundary can be.