Tencent's 'Light of Motiram' Undergoes Significant Revisions Following Sony's Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

A legal dispute recently emerged between gaming giants Sony and Tencent concerning Tencent's forthcoming title, 'Light of Motiram.' Sony initiated legal action, asserting that the marketing strategies for 'Light of Motiram' were deliberately crafted to mimic the distinct visual and thematic elements of their acclaimed game, 'Horizon Zero Dawn.' This alleged resemblance, Sony contended, could lead to consumer confusion and intellectual property infringement. In response to these allegations, Tencent has reportedly begun altering promotional content for 'Light of Motiram,' including revamping its storefront presence and associated trailers, signaling an effort to distinguish its product.

'Light of Motiram' is an open-world action title where players engage in battles against formidable animal-like robotic entities within a setting that blends futuristic technology with indigenous cultural aesthetics. The game also incorporates popular mechanics such as crafting, cooperative base construction, and minor platforming segments. However, the initial presentation of 'Light of Motiram' drew notable comparisons to 'Horizon Zero Dawn,' particularly concerning the giant mechanical creatures and a protagonist whose appearance, especially with specific headwear, strongly echoed 'Horizon's' iconic heroine, Aloy. Sony's legal filing also highlighted that Tencent had previously pitched an Eastern-themed 'Horizon Zero Dawn' spin-off to PlayStation, which included survival elements that later appeared in 'Light of Motiram.' These similarities prompted Sony to seek damages totaling $150,000 per infringed work and the destruction of all contentious marketing materials.

While Tencent has not formally commented on its collaboration with Sony regarding the lawsuit, visible modifications have been implemented. For instance, the 'Light of Motiram' Steam page now features altered lead visuals, with the original promotional trailer seemingly removed and replaced by a different aesthetic. Key artwork has shifted from the game's female protagonist to digital creatures with a distinct color palette, moving away from the cybernetic hues reminiscent of 'Horizon Zero Dawn.' While some older screenshots remain, those depicting the Aloy-like heroine have been taken down. Furthermore, the game's description has been revised to be more ambiguous about specific gameplay elements, emphasizing survival and exploration over direct mentions of primal robot combat. These adjustments, coupled with a delayed release window now set for 2027, suggest that Tencent is proactively refining 'Light of Motiram' to avoid further conflict and establish its unique identity within the gaming landscape.

This case underscores the critical importance of intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. It highlights how companies must meticulously safeguard their creative endeavors while fostering innovation. Ultimately, such disputes, though challenging, can lead to more distinct and original creations, enriching the gaming experience for everyone and promoting fair competition within the global market.