Sony has filed a lawsuit against Tencent over the game Light of Motiram, claiming that the title is a copy of its acclaimed franchise Horizon Zero Dawn. The legal dispute, which originated after the game’s announcement, has escalated in intensity since July, when Sony formalized its complaint in a California court. The Japanese company argues that there are undeniable similarities between the two games, highlighting the red-haired protagonist, robotic fauna, and the post-apocalyptic open-world settings.
There is nothing original in the world
Tencent, for its part, has vehemently responded to the accusations, arguing that there is no jurisdiction and that the lawsuit lacks substantial evidence, given that Light of Motiram will not be released until 2027. In its defense, the company argues that Sony seeks to establish a monopoly over common elements in popular culture, such as the archetype of the red-haired hero and ruined civilizations, and not simply to protect its copyright.
In the context of this dispute, Tencent has pointed out that the elements mentioned by Sony are present in numerous video games before and after Horizon Zero Dawn, citing titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Far Cry: Primal. Additionally, the company argues that Sony’s lawsuit is based on hypotheses, as Light of Motiram is still in production and its alleged infringements may never occur.
The conflict reflects a common issue in the video game industry: the thin line between inspiration and copying. As both companies maintain firm positions, it is expected that the U.S. justice system will rule on the case, which could have significant implications for intellectual property in the sector. In a landscape where video game giants clash, the outcome of this litigation could define future copyright disputes in the industry.
