The gaming world is watching intently as Chinese tech giant Tencent makes significant, rapid alterations to its upcoming action RPG, Light of Motaram, following a high-stakes copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The lawsuit, targeting Tencent subsidiary Proxima Beta, alleges the game brazenly copies Sony’s critically acclaimed Horizon franchise.
Sony Sues Tencent Over Alleged "Horizon" Rip-Off (Reuters) broke the news late last month, detailing Sony's claims that Light of Motaram features "striking and extensive similarities" to Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. Specifically cited were the core gameplay loop of hunting animal-like machines with bows and spears, the protagonist's ability to override and control these machines, specific creature designs, and even environmental aesthetics.
The Immediate Fallout: A Game in Flux
Within 72 hours of the lawsuit becoming public, observers noted significant changes appearing on the game’s official storefronts and promotional materials. Tencent, while not officially commenting directly on the lawsuit, has clearly initiated a damage control operation:
- Visual Overhaul: The most noticeable changes are visual. Key creature designs, particularly the large quadrupedal and bird-like machines that bore strong resemblance to Horizon's Striders and Glinthawks, have been significantly altered. Textures, skeletal structures, and attack animations appear hastily revised. Early side-by-side comparisons circulating online highlighted the similarities, which are now markedly reduced.
- Mechanics Tweaked: References to "overriding" machines, a signature Horizon mechanic, have been scrubbed from descriptions and replaced with more generic terms like "hacking" or "subduing." Gameplay footage previewing this mechanic has been removed from official channels.
- Store Page Purge: The game’s Steam page underwent a quiet but substantial revision. The Game Post documented these stealth edits, noting the removal of screenshots and trailers showcasing the most contentious elements. Descriptions were rewritten to emphasize the game's unique lore and setting, downplaying any machine-focused parallels.
- Lore & Setting Refocus: Promotional language now heavily emphasizes Light of Motaram's unique "Jinwu" civilization and "Motaram" setting, terms less prominent in earlier marketing. The narrative framing is being pushed to the forefront to distinguish it from Horizon's post-apocalyptic tribal societies.
Community Reaction: Skepticism and Scrutiny
The changes have sparked intense debate within the gaming community:
- Skeptics: Many players and commentators view the alterations as a cynical, post-lawsuit scramble. "They got caught red-handed and are now trying to cover their tracks," commented one user on gaming forums. "Changing a texture doesn't change the fundamental concept they allegedly lifted."
- Legal Observers: Experts suggest these changes are a necessary, albeit potentially insufficient, step for Tencent. "Modifying the game pre-launch demonstrates an attempt to mitigate damages and potentially weaken Sony's case for an injunction," noted one intellectual property lawyer following the case. "However, if Sony's claims about the original development being a copy are substantiated, these cosmetic changes might not be enough legally."
- Curious Onlookers: Some potential players are now more intrigued, wondering if the core gameplay loop – hunting machines in a lush, post-tech world – remains compelling even with the altered visuals and terminology. The question of originality hangs heavy over the project.
Where to See the Changes (For Yourself)
Prospective players can inspect the current state of the game via its official store pages. The Light of Motaram Steam Page showcases the revised screenshots and description. A physical edition (presumably reflecting updated assets) is also available for pre-order on Amazon.
Uncertain Future: Launch and Litigation Loom
Despite the significant alterations, Light of Motaram's scheduled release window remains unchanged for now. However, its launch is now irrevocably shadowed by Sony's aggressive legal action. The lawsuit seeks substantial damages and, crucially, an injunction preventing the game's release – a move that could derail Tencent's plans entirely if granted.
The speed and scale of Tencent's changes underscore the serious threat posed by Sony's lawsuit. While Light of Motaram may look and sound different than it did just weeks ago, whether these changes are enough to legally distinguish it from Horizon, or to salvage its reputation with gamers seeking originality, remains a critical open question. The gaming industry is watching closely, as the outcome could set a significant precedent for protecting major franchise IP in an era of increasingly sophisticated game development. The battle between the tech giant and the gaming titan is just beginning, and Light of Motaram is caught squarely in the crossfire.
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