Image Credit: Tencent

The legal dispute between Sony Interactive Entertainment and Tencent has officially concluded following a confidential settlement that resulted in the removal of Light of Motiram from both Steam and the Epic Games Store. The case centered on Sony’s claim that the upcoming survival title bore excessive similarities to the Horizon franchise.

Sony originally filed suit in mid-2025, alleging that Light of Motiram replicated Horizon’s biomechanical creatures, visual language, and character design too closely. The publisher argued that these similarities crossed the line from inspiration into infringement. Tencent contested the claims, stating that shared genre elements should not be grounds for exclusive ownership.

Rather than proceeding through a lengthy court battle, both parties agreed to settle out of court. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled in the future. While the terms of the settlement remain private, the immediate impact was clear. Light of Motiram was removed from major PC storefronts without public explanation.

Although the game’s store listings are gone, its official website and social media channels remain active. This has led to speculation that Tencent may rework the project rather than cancel it outright. A redesigned version with altered visuals and mechanics could potentially reappear at a later date.

The case has sparked renewed discussion about originality in modern game development. As blockbuster franchises establish strong visual identities, smaller studios face increasing pressure to differentiate their designs. This settlement may encourage publishers to take a more proactive stance in defending their intellectual property.

For developers and players alike, the outcome serves as a reminder that artistic influence has limits and that those limits are increasingly enforced.

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