A Battle for Digital Originality: Sony Challenges Tencent's New Game
The Core of the Dispute: Allegations of Replication
Sony Group Corp.'s Interactive Entertainment arm has formally initiated legal proceedings against Tencent Holdings, asserting that Tencent's impending game, 'Light of Motiram,' directly mimics its successful 'Horizon' game collection. This federal lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, characterizes 'Light of Motiram' as an unoriginal imitation, accusing it of mirroring the gameplay mechanics, thematic narratives, and visual aesthetics of the 'Horizon' universe.
Striking Parallels: 'Light of Motiram' vs. 'Horizon'
The legal complaint from Sony points to profound resemblances between 'Light of Motiram' and its 'Horizon' series, which debuted with 'Horizon Zero Dawn' in 2017. These parallels reportedly encompass the game's setting—a world reshaped by a cataclysmic event—the presence of mechanical creatures, and the distinctive portrayal of a female protagonist with vibrant red hair. Such elements are fundamental to the identity of Sony's 'Horizon' games, suggesting a deliberate appropriation of core design principles.
Behind the Scenes: A Rejected Collaboration Precedes Legal Action
Adding another layer to the controversy, Sony has disclosed that it had previously declined a partnership proposal from Tencent last year concerning a 'Horizon'-related venture. This rejection was subsequently followed by Tencent's announcement of 'Light of Motiram,' which Sony now contends is a clear act of intellectual property theft. Both Sony and Tencent have yet to offer immediate public statements on the ongoing legal matter, leaving the gaming community in anticipation of further developments.
Market Reaction: Impact on Sony's Stock Performance
In the wake of these legal developments, Sony's shares experienced a slight decline, falling by 2.09% during standard trading hours on Monday. However, the stock showed a modest recovery, inching up by 0.25% in after-hours trading, concluding the day at $24.42. Financial indicators suggest that while Sony's stock faces short-term downward pressure, it maintains a robust positive trajectory over the medium and long term, particularly noted for its strong quality metrics despite a weaker valuation score.