Tencent has updated its Light of Motiram Steam page just days after Sony filed a lawsuit alleging the upcoming game was a “slavish clone” of Horizon.
The complaint, filed in a California court at the end of July, outlined numerous similarities, comparing various marketing screenshots from both games, as well as their descriptions.
As we explained at the time, just like Horizon, Light of Motiram takes place in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by giant robot dinosaurs who roam large, natural environments such as tropical forests, deserts, and snowy mountains. Both games even feature red-haired women protagonists that wear very similar outfits and styles, and devices similar to Aloy’s “Focus” earpiece.
Sony believes that these aren’t accidental similarities, either. Per Sony’s complaint, Tencent allegedly began developing Light of Motiram in 2023, and approached Sony at the 2024 Game Developers Conference to ask for a licensing deal to develop its own Horizon game. Sony turned Tencent down, but Tencent seemingly continued developing Light of Motiram anyway. Sony claims it approached Tencent informally to resolve the copyright dispute once it became aware of the game, but when it did so, Tencent once again attempted to license Horizon. Tencent then allegedly pressed forward with the game’s promotions and playtests.
The Game Post noted, however, that since the lawsuit went public, Light of Motriam’s Steam page has been quietly updated, with a number of screenshots and trailers removed, and the cover image changed from the Aloy Alike image you see here to this less contentious image.
The description has changed, too. Originally it read: “In a world overrun by colossal machines, explore the vast open world, build your base of operations, advance technology, train Mechanimals, and take on formidable bosses. Starting from the primitive age, forge a new path of development. Defy the machination, survive with mechanimals.”
Now, however, it says: “Make smart use of everything around you to stay alive and face off against formidable bosses, every step is fraught with danger and requires courage. Only by overcoming the challenges of survival can you carve out a place for yourself in this unforgiving land.”
Interestingly, we can also see that the “to be announced” release window has been updated to “Q4 2027.”
Whether this is enough to satisfy Sony’s lawyers remains to be seen, not least because several uncanny similarities between the two games remain. It was originally suing for copyright and trademark infringement, as well as false designation of origin, and sought costs and damages of up to $150,000 for each separate work in which Horizon’s copyright has been infringed. It also demands Tencent destroy all infringing material.
IGN has asked both Tencent and Sony for comment.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
