Sony Interactive Entertainment Takes Legal Action Against Tencent for Ripping Off One of Its Recognizable IPs

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2025 @ 17:45:31 PM.


Sony Interactive Entertainment has asserted dominance across the video game industry in the past few decades with high-quality exclusive titles and innovative gaming hardware. The company developed a strong relationship and following with the gaming community by releasing titles that can’t be played elsewhere, until they aren’t up for a PC port at least.

However, these titles inspired other developers to take more than notes by ripping off near identical copies of world design and character design. As a major gaming publisher, Sony didn’t take this act lightly and has pursued legal action to protect its intellectual property. The mere fact that other studios were bold enough to take recognizable themes from a Sony IP speaks volumes about its influence on the modern audience.

All Eyes Are on Sony As the Company Sues Tencent

A still from Horizon Zero Dawn from Sony Interactive Entertainment.
The pursuit of legal action is only the beginning. Image Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Guerrilla Games is renowned for its Killzone series, but took the time to develop a brand new original IP for the PlayStation 4 generation. In 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn was released and received universal praise from players and critics. However, not everyone was fond of the franchise, but it made a lasting impact to the point where other major companies decided to take more than notes.

In a recent report, Sony Interactive Entertainment has formally filed a lawsuit to protect its intellectual property from infringement. This has been a long time coming, especially since fans pointed out that the Light of Motiram shares a similar vibe to the post-apocalyptic world in both games developed by Guerrilla Games.

After Being Denied the Chance To Collaborate, Tencent Took Matters Into Its Own Hands

A still from Light of Motiram.
There is no denying that this project wanted to be the next big thing. Image Credit: Tencent

The report also revealed that the company initially reached out to Sony for a potential collaboration; however, it didn’t pan out the way they had hoped. It didn’t take long for the Chinese company to catch the whole world’s attention by revealing this clone project.

Casual gamers could even point out that the visual design and language of the Horizon franchise and the Light of Motiram are undeniably similar. Sony Interactive Entertainment is understandably upset over this gross action and paints a bad picture of Tencent for developing a project independently after being denied permission to collaborate.

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