Games

Sony and Tencent Settle Lawsuit Over Horizon-Like Game

Sony, Tencent Settle Over Horizon-Like Game
Horizon Dispute
  • Key Takeaways:
  • Sony sued Tencent in July 2025 over alleged similarities between Horizon and LIGHT OF MOTIRAM.
  • The case was dismissed with prejudice after a confidential settlement; neither company will comment further.
  • LIGHT OF MOTIRAM has been removed from Steam and the Epic Games Store and its trailer deactivated.

What the court filing shows

A court stipulation filed in the case between Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and Tencent shows the lawsuit was "dismissed with prejudice," meaning the claim cannot be re‑litigated. The dismissal follows a confidential settlement between the two companies.

Official comment and public silence

Tencent Americas' Head of Communications confirmed in a short statement that "SIE and Tencent are pleased to have reached a confidential resolution and will have no further public comment on this matter." Sony has not published additional details about the terms.

Why "dismissed with prejudice" matters

A dismissal with prejudice is final: it prevents either party from bringing the same claim again. In high‑profile intellectual property disputes this typically signals a binding agreement rather than a temporary pause.

What this means for LIGHT OF MOTIRAM

Following the settlement notice, LIGHT OF MOTIRAM's product pages on Steam and the Epic Games Store were deactivated. The game's official announcement trailer has likewise been removed from public view.

Cancellation, redesign, or rebranding?

Because the settlement is confidential, the game's future is unclear. Removal from storefronts can indicate cancellation, a content redesign to address infringement concerns, or a planned relaunch under a different form or publisher.

Developer and platform context

LIGHT OF MOTIRAM was developed by Polaris Quest, a Tencent subsidiary, and drew early attention for its aesthetic and mechanical similarities to Guerrilla Games' Horizon series. PlayStation China had previously promoted the title, adding to public interest in the dispute and its outcome.

Background and next steps to watch

Sony originally filed the suit in July 2025 alleging that Polaris Quest’s game borrowed protected elements from Horizon. Media outlets including The Verge reported the settlement after the court filing appeared.

Key items to monitor: whether Tencent or Polaris Quest issue a new statement, whether the game reappears in a modified form, and if either company files additional legal notices or clarifications. For now, the settlement closes this chapter publicly but leaves significant questions about the game's fate and the boundaries of studio IP protection.

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