In a significant move within the gaming industry, Sony's PlayStation has initiated legal proceedings against the Chinese video game powerhouse, Tencent, citing copyright and trademark infringement related to its acclaimed "Horizon" franchise. The lawsuit, filed on July 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, centers around allegations that Tencent's forthcoming game, "Light of Motiram", is a "slavish clone" of the popular titles "Horizon Zero Dawn" and "Horizon Forbidden West".
Sony Interactive Entertainment claims that Tencent's copying of the "Horizon" series is so egregious that it has drawn public criticism, with many describing it as "crazy," "insane," and "shameless." The lawsuit highlights that Tencent has prominently featured its imitation of the iconic Aloy, the main character from the "Horizon" series, in its marketing efforts. This strategy has reportedly led to confusion among gamers, who may mistakenly perceive "Light of Motiram" as a legitimate entry in the "Horizon" franchise when viewing promotional gameplay videos and social media content.
The lawsuit seeks substantial damages, requesting statutory compensation of $150,000 for each work in the "Horizon" franchise that has allegedly been infringed upon. Additionally, Sony is pursuing damages based on SIE's actual losses incurred due to Tencent's alleged copyright violations. As of now, there has been no response from representatives of either PlayStation or Tencent regarding the lawsuit.
While Tencent has yet to announce a release date for "Light of Motiram", the game is described as an expansive adventure set in a world dominated by colossal machines. Players will be able to explore vast environments, establish their bases, advance technology, and train Mechanimals to face off against formidable bosses. The game promises a journey from primitive beginnings to advanced development, emphasizing survival against overwhelming odds.
For context, PlayStation's description of "Horizon Zero Dawn", the inaugural title in the series released in 2017, paints a vivid picture of its universe. Players are thrust into a distant future where gigantic machines dominate the landscape, and humanity survives in distinct tribes amid the remnants of a lost civilization. The protagonist, Aloy, is depicted as a skilled hunter and an outcast who embarks on a quest to uncover her origins and confront the looming threats to her world.
This legal battle between PlayStation and Tencent highlights the ongoing challenges of copyright protection in the gaming industry, as well as the complexities of ensuring that original content is not overshadowed by imitative works. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for both companies and the broader gaming community.
