It’s been over a year since Tencent and its Polaris Quest subsidiary unveiled the much-anticipated game, Light of Motiram. Originally slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, Android, and iOS, this open-world game quickly drew comparisons to Horizon Zero Dawn due to its similar themes and characters.
The Controversial Clone
As players delved into more details, the game was labeled a Horizon Zero Dawn clone. Though it incorporated unique elements like base building, the resemblance in the destroyed world setting, animal-like machines, and a red-haired protagonist was undeniable. In July 2025, Sony, owning Horizon Zero Dawn developer Guerrilla Games, filed a lawsuit against Tencent for copyright and trademark infringement, branding Light of Motiram as a ‘slavish clone’. Within days, Tencent began altering the game’s Steam presence by removing contentious images.
Legal Battles and Agreements
In September, Tencent responded with a court filing to dismiss the case, arguing jurisdictional issues and claiming Guerrilla’s game concept was not entirely original. Sony rejected these arguments and proceeded with the lawsuit, managing to halt Tencent’s promotion of the game before upcoming court dates. However, a recent search on Steam confirms Light of Motiram is no longer available, with SteamDB indicating the game has been ‘retired’. Reports suggest that Sony and Tencent have privately settled, choosing not to comment further but hinting at possible future collaborations.
Alternative Adventures for Gamers
For those eager for an online Horizon experience, NCSOFT is developing a new MMORPG, Steel Frontiers, for PC and mobile, with discussions for a PlayStation 5 version. Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games continues to work on its own online co-op game within the beloved franchise.
Light of Motiram appears to have been canceled, with Tencent conceding to Sony’s demands, avoiding a potentially lengthy and losing legal battle.