PlayStation Files Lawsuit Against Tencent Over “Slavish” Horizon Zero Dawn Clone
Sony Interactive Entertainment has launched a high-stakes lawsuit against Tencent-owned studio Polaris Quest, accusing its upcoming game Light of Motiram of being a “blatant” and “shameless” clone of the Horizon franchise. The legal battle – seeking $150,000 in damages and destruction of the game’s assets – reignites debates over intellectual property in gaming.
The Sony Sues Core Allegations
According to legal documents obtained by Reuters and reported by Push Square, Sony claims:
- Light of Motiram features “slavish copying” of Horizon’s distinctive robotic creature designs, including near-identical recreations of Shell-Walkers and Frostclaws.
- The game’s protagonist, tribal settings, and mechanical-beast premise mirror Aloy’s world “to an unlawful degree.”
- Tencent previously sought to license the Horizon IP but was rejected – intensifying claims of deliberate imitation.
Echoes of Palworld vs. Pokémon
The lawsuit draws parallels to Nintendo’s action against Palworld earlier this year, where similar “inspiration” claims led to forced design changes. Sony’s aggressive stance – demanding asset destruction – suggests zero tolerance for what it deems IP theft, despite industry debates over creative influence.
Why This Matters
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) and Forbidden West (2022) are PlayStation exclusives with over 32 million copies sold. Sony’s move signals:
- Franchise protection: Guarding a flagship IP ahead of Horizon 3
- Legal precedent: Challenging “clone culture” in live-service gaming
- Market tension: Escalating friction between Western publishers and Chinese tech giants
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Tencent’s Position & Industry Reaction
Polaris Quest hasn’t publicly responded. Gameplay trailers show Light of Motiram as an online survival RPG with undeniable visual parallels to Horizon, though combat mechanics differ. The outcome could impact how studios navigate “inspiration” versus infringement globally.