Lawsuit Exposes Tencent’s Rejected Horizon Sequel Pitch Set in Asia
Sony’s lawsuit against Tencent over Light of Motiram has unearthed a fascinating revelation: Tencent previously pitched an official Horizon sequel set in Asia – a concept Sony rejected before the alleged “shameless clone” was developed. The legal battle now reveals what could have been: Aloy exploring Eastern landscapes filled with culturally inspired mechanized creatures.
The Rejected Asian Odyssey
According to court documents reported by Push Square, Tencent’s pitch envisioned:
- Aloy receiving an invitation from “the Orient” – a mysterious Eastern faction
- A “distant kingdom” blending Chinese-inspired aesthetics with tribal designs
- “Eastern Mechanimals”: New robotic fauna reflecting regional mythology
- Concept art showing Aloy overlooking a Great Wall-like structure
The project was labeled “Horizon mobile”, suggesting a standalone mobile title rather than a mainline console sequel.
From Pitch to Lawsuit
Sony’s filing argues this pitch makes Light of Motiram’s similarities intentional:
- Tencent’s heroine mirrors Aloy’s auburn hair, tribal-tech aesthetic
- Machine creatures closely resemble Horizon’s Tremortusks and Chargers
- Fonts and UI elements show “slavish copying” per Sony
The lawsuit seeks $150,000 in damages and destruction of the game’s assets.
Why Sony Likely Said No
Industry analysts note key reasons for rejection:
- Platform mismatch: Horizon’s vast open worlds don’t translate well to mobile
- Narrative control: Guerrilla Games reportedly has a mapped trilogy for Aloy
- Quality concerns: Sony protects flagship IPs from external development risks
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The Bigger Picture
This leak highlights tensions in gaming’s globalized landscape:
- Western studios guarding AAA IPs from overseas reinterpretations
- Chinese giants like Tencent seeking established franchises for market expansion
- Legal lines between “inspiration” and infringement growing sharper