Sony Interactive Entertainment is taking legal action against Tencent, accusing the company of copying the Horizon series with its upcoming title.
According to a report, Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Tencent Holdings in a California federal court, accusing the Chinese tech giant of copyright and trademark infringement. The dispute is Tencent’s upcoming title, Light of Motiram, which Sony claims is a blatant imitation of its Horizon series.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday, July 25, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. According to the complaint, Tencent had previously approached Sony in 2023 with a proposal to collaborate on a new Horizon title. Sony declined the offer. Shortly afterward, Tencent revealed Light of Motiram, which Sony now claims borrows heavily from the Horizon franchise, even echoing its narrative tone and aesthetic design.
The lawsuit points out that some in the gaming press have already dubbed the title “Horizon Zero Originality.” Sony Interactive Entertainment alleges that Light of Motiram is not only inspired by Horizon, but directly lifts key elements from it. The complaint describes the game as a “slavish clone,” featuring remarkably similar gameplay mechanics, world-building concepts, and artistic direction. Sony argues that the similarities are so extensive that they could easily mislead consumers into believing the two titles are connected.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is seeking monetary damages and a court injunction to prevent Tencent from releasing or continuing development on Light of Motiram, arguing that the game violates its intellectual property rights. The case, titled Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC v. Tencent Holdings Ltd, is currently pending in the Northern District of California. Sony is represented by Annette Hurst, Diana Rutowski, and Laura Wytsma of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. Legal representation for Tencent has yet to be announced.
As per the report, Tencent and Sony Interactive Entertainment representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment.
