Sony Sues Tencent Over Alleged Copyright Infringement of Horizon Video Game Series

Sony Sues Tencent Over Alleged Copyright Infringement of Horizon Video Game Series

Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC has initiated legal proceedings against Tencent Holdings Ltd., filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:25-cv-06275). The case alleges that Tencent’s forthcoming video game, Light of Motiram, unlawfully copies Sony’s acclaimed Horizon video game franchise, violating copyright and trademark protections by creating a “slavish clone” that could confuse consumers.

Parties and Legal Representation

Sony Interactive, the American video game and digital entertainment company, is represented by attorneys Annette Hurst, Diana Rutowski, and Laura Wytsma of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, while Tencent, the Chinese multinational technology conglomerate, has not yet publicly disclosed its legal counsel in this matter.

Allegations of Copying

According to Sony's complaint, Light of Motiram replicates numerous distinctive features of the Horizon series, including core gameplay mechanics, thematic elements, artistic direction, and character design. Sony contends that the similarities between the two games are substantial enough to potentially mislead consumers, thereby constituting both copyright and trademark infringement.

The Horizon series began with the release of Horizon Zero Dawn in 2017 on the PlayStation 4. The game follows the journey of Aloy, a red-haired protagonist navigating a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by tribal societies and mechanical creatures. Since its release, Horizon Zero Dawn has garnered critical and commercial success, becoming one of Sony’s flagship gaming franchises.

Failed Collaboration and New Release

The legal filing further reveals that Tencent had previously approached Sony with a proposal to collaborate on a new Horizon title. Sony declined the offer. Subsequently, Tencent announced its development of Light of Motiram—a game that, Sony alleges, mimics the narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and character archetypes of the Horizon series.

Industry Reaction

Sony also cited industry commentary to support its claims, noting that some video game journalists have drawn direct comparisons between the two titles. One report even characterized Light of Motiram as "Horizon Zero Originality," underscoring the perceived lack of distinction between the games.

Relief Sought

In its lawsuit, Sony seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction to halt the release and distribution of Light of Motiram, asserting that continued development or publication would constitute ongoing infringement of its intellectual property rights.

Spokespeople for Tencent and attorneys and spokespeople for Sony did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday.

The case is Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC v. Tencent Holdings Ltd, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, No. 3:25-cv-06275. For Sony: Annette Hurst, Diana Rutowski, and Laura Wytsma of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. For Tencent: attorney information not yet available.