Chinese gaming powerhouse Tencent reportedly proposed a mobile adaptation of Sony`s Horizon franchise, envisioning an Asian setting complete with multiplayer and games-as-a-service (GaaS) elements.
These details surfaced from a recent lawsuit filed by Sony against Tencent. Sony alleges that Tencent`s upcoming open-world title, Light of Motiram, directly infringes on the Horizon franchise`s copyrights and trademarks, and is seeking to prevent its release.
According to court documents, in March 2024, Tencent`s Aurora development studio approached Sony with a pitch deck titled “Expanding the Horizon” for the proposed mobile game. The concept included Horizon heroine Aloy receiving an “invitation from the mysterious Orient” to embark on a journey to a “distant kingdom.”
Accompanying the pitch were concept images, including one depicting Aloy atop the Great Wall of China. The game was envisioned to introduce new tribes “inspired by ethnic minorities,” incorporate Eastern-inspired aesthetics, and feature unique “mechanimals” based on Eastern mythology, exemplified by concept art of a mechanical Chinese-style dragon.
The Aurora Studios team reportedly presented themselves as “die-hard fans” of the Horizon franchise, even showcasing PlayStation Trophies earned from playing Horizon games and an image of their development team engaged in playing at their studio. Tencent emphasized Horizon`s considerable popularity in China and its open-world RPG nature as an ideal foundation for a GaaS mobile title, further suggesting the integration of survival-crafting, pet taming, and various multiplayer modes.
Sony asserts that, during the pitch meeting, Tencent did not disclose that it was already in the process of developing Light of Motiram. Subsequently, in April 2024, Sony declined the partnership. While expressing “great appreciation” for Aurora`s passion and the effort put into the pitch, Sony decided not to pursue the collaboration.
However, when Tencent officially announced Light of Motiram in November 2024, Sony claims that its gameplay trailer conspicuously lacked the Eastern-inspired elements Tencent had previously pitched. Instead, Sony alleges the trailer presented a game that appeared to be a “whole cloth” copy of Horizon`s distinctive visual and gameplay style.
Sony is currently seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each separate work in the Horizon franchise alleged to be infringed. Additionally, Sony demands that Tencent surrender all products and marketing materials bearing “prohibited marks” for destruction. Light of Motiram remains available for wishlisting on Steam, though an official release date has not yet been announced.
This article is a rephrased and translated version of an original news report, summarizing key events and allegations.