Sony sued Tencent in July 2025, alleging that Light of Motiram copied protected elements of the Horizon games. The case is no longer pending: the parties reached a confidential settlement, and the lawsuit was reported dismissed with prejudice in December 2025. No public finding established that Tencent infringed Sony’s rights, and the settlement terms were not disclosed.
What did Sony allege about Light of Motiram?
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) filed its complaint on July 25, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It asserted copyright and trademark claims, alleging that Tencent’s game borrowed protected expression from Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. Those descriptions were Sony’s claims in court filings, not findings by a judge. Sony’s complaint and its later motion for a preliminary injunction set out the allegations.
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Characters, branding and machines
Sony pointed to a red-haired female protagonist it said resembled Aloy, the central character of Horizon, as well as animal-like mechanical creatures. It also alleged trademark infringement involving the Aloy character mark or confusingly similar marks.
Setting, tribal imagery and audio
Sony described alleged similarities in the games’ post-apocalyptic landscapes, tribal groups, narrative and audio elements, including music and sound. These were examples of the material Sony said was copied or derived from Horizon; the court did not publicly determine that the games were substantially similar or that infringement occurred.
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The alleged licensing approach
Sony’s complaint also said Tencent had previously sought a license to make a Horizon game and that Sony declined. Reporting on the complaint described Sony’s account of a proposed mobile game involving Eastern aesthetics, survival, crafting, pet taming and multiplayer features. That account was Sony’s description of the pitch, not an independently established explanation of Tencent’s intentions.
What did Sony ask the court to do?
In October 2025, Sony requested a preliminary injunction. Its motion sought to restrict reproducing, preparing derivative works, displaying, performing or distributing works Sony said were copied from Horizon, and to restrict use of the Aloy mark or confusingly similar marks. Sony also sought injunctive relief and damages in its complaint. A request for an injunction is not proof that a court granted one.
Sony’s complaint sought statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work. That figure was a requested legal remedy, not an award or a finding that infringement occurred.
How did the case end?
Game Developer reported on December 18, 2025, that Sony and Tencent had reached a confidential settlement and that the case was dismissed with prejudice. A dismissal with prejudice ends the case and generally prevents the same claims from being brought again. The report said the settlement document had been filed with the court, but its terms were not publicly disclosed.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Tencent Americas communications head Sean Durkin told The Verge: “ [Sony Interactive Entertainment] 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.” The statement does not explain the settlement terms or establish an admission of wrongdoing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about Light of Motiram’s release?
As of Game Developer’s December 18, 2025 report, Light of Motiram was no longer listed on Steam or the Epic Games Store. The report described the game’s status as unknown. That information does not establish that the game was canceled, permanently delisted, or changed as a condition of the settlement, nor does it establish later release plans.
Timeline of the lawsuit
- July 25, 2025: Sony filed its complaint in the Northern District of California, alleging copyright and trademark infringement and seeking injunctive relief and damages.
- October 16, 2025: Sony filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction. The motion stated Sony’s position and requested relief; it was not a court ruling.
- December 2025: The parties reached a confidential settlement, and the case was reported dismissed with prejudice.
- December 18, 2025: Game Developer reported that the game was no longer listed on Steam or the Epic Games Store and that its status was unknown.
Game Developer’s settlement report provides the reported disposition and Tencent’s statement.
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