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Sony has fired back at Tencent with a 42-page legal statement, calling the Chinese company’s defence “nonsense” amid their ongoing dispute over Light of Motiram, a game Sony accuses of being a “slavish clone” of the Horizon series.
In the newly released document, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) rejects Tencent’s claims that the lawsuit was an overreach or an attempt to monopolise creative ideas. “The damage is done—and it continues,” Sony stated, referring to what it described as “actual consumer confusion” caused by Tencent’s promotional materials for Light of Motiram. The publisher insists that Tencent’s actions have already harmed the Horizon brand, even if the game itself has yet to release.
Sony Challenges Jurisdiction and Timeline
Sony’s statement also disputes Tencent’s argument that the case does not fall under U.S. jurisdiction. It claims the California court has full authority, pointing out that Tencent Holdings holds the U.S. trademark for Light of Motiram and owns the domain for its official website, where much of the allegedly infringing content was distributed to American audiences.
Sony’s filing further refutes Tencent’s assertion that the case is “unripe” due to the game’s delayed release. According to Sony, Light of Motiram has already been heavily marketed, and the resulting confusion among fans has caused tangible harm.
Background of the Lawsuit
Sony filed the lawsuit in California back in July, claiming that Tencent’s upcoming title copied ideas and design elements from Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. The company alleges that Light of Motiram bears strong visual and thematic similarities to its own franchise, describing it as “a near-identical imitation” likely to mislead consumers.
Adding to the controversy, Sony revealed that Tencent had previously approached Guerrilla Games about a collaboration within the Horizon universe, which was declined. Shortly after that rejection, Tencent announced Light of Motiram, prompting Sony’s legal action. The PlayStation publisher is now seeking monetary damages and a court order to stop Tencent from infringing upon its intellectual property.
Tencent’s Response
In response, Tencent dismissed the lawsuit as “an improper attempt to fence off a well-trodden corner of popular culture,” arguing that the aesthetics and themes of Light of Motiram are common in many games. Tencent cited titles such as Far Cry: Primal, Far Cry: New Dawn, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as examples of similar artistic direction and open-world design.
Despite Tencent’s counterclaims, Sony’s latest statement signals a firm commitment to protecting its Horizon IP and setting a precedent for how closely other studios can emulate its flagship series. With Light of Motiram still slated for release in 2027, the legal battle between two of gaming’s biggest players is far from over.
You can read the whole court statements here.
