Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and Tencent have reached a confidential settlement over Light of Motiram, ending a legal battle in which Sony claimed the game lifted visual and character design elements from its Horizon franchise. The resolution comes after months of controversy surrounding the title's resemblance to the PlayStation exclusive series.
Under the settlement terms, Light of Motiram has been pulled from Steam and the Epic Games Store. SteamDB now shows the game as retired, though its official website still displays links to both platforms. Sean Durkin, head of communications for Tencent Americas, confirmed the resolution: "SIE and Tencent are pleased to have reached a confidential resolution and will have no further public comment on this matter. SIE and Tencent look forward to working together in the future."
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Origins of the Controversy
Light of Motiram sparked immediate backlash when revealed last year, with players and critics pointing out unmistakable visual parallels to Sony's Horizon series. Sony's complaint centered on the game's aesthetic choices and promotional imagery featuring a character bearing a strong resemblance to Aloy, Horizon's iconic protagonist.
Sony escalated the matter in July 2025 with a formal lawsuit against Tencent, alleging copyright and trademark violations. The suit aimed to prevent Light of Motiram's release, arguing that the game risked confusing consumers into believing it was connected to or derived from Horizon. Tencent pushed back by revising the Steam listing and marketing materials, maintaining that Light of Motiram drew from widely used gaming conventions rather than Sony's protected intellectual property.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The Sony-Tencent settlement illustrates persistent tensions in the gaming industry around intellectual property boundaries and franchise safeguarding. Though the settlement's specific terms remain sealed, the dispute demonstrates how visual and thematic overlap between games can escalate into major legal confrontations.
Pulling Light of Motiram from leading digital platforms reinforces the stakes of copyright adherence for developers and publishers. Cases like this may reshape how studios navigate game design decisions, promotional strategies, and the incorporation of elements that echo established franchises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was Light of Motiram removed from Steam and the Epic Games Store?
The game was pulled as part of a confidential settlement between Sony and Tencent, which resolved Sony's lawsuit claiming copyright and trademark violations.
What was Sony's claim against Light of Motiram?
Sony argued that Light of Motiram replicated the visual style of the Horizon series and used a character design closely resembling Aloy, which could mislead players into associating it with the franchise.
Did Tencent admit to copying Horizon?
No. Tencent rejected the allegations, asserting that Light of Motiram employs widely recognized gameplay and narrative conventions not unique to Sony.
Is Light of Motiram still available to play?
No. The game has been delisted from major digital storefronts and appears as retired on SteamDB.
Will Sony and Tencent collaborate in the future?
Tencent has indicated that both companies remain open to future collaboration, though no concrete projects have been revealed.
