Tencent’s latest game, Light of Motiram, has sparked a fierce debate online after being accused of heavily “ripping off” Sony’s iconic Horizon video game series. From its game mechanics to its art style, many gamers have pointed out striking similarities between Light of Motiram and Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. Here’s everything you need to know about the accusations and what Light of Motiram is bringing to the table.

Key Highlights:

Introduction: Is Light of Motiram Really a Copy of Horizon?

Tencent’s Light of Motiram, developed by its subsidiary Polaris Quest, is generating significant buzz ahead of its planned 2025 release. Described as an open-world multiplayer survival game, it focuses on building new civilizations, battling, and befriending “mechanimals”—robotic creatures reminiscent of the ones seen in Horizon Zero Dawn. This has led to accusations that the game is copying ideas from Guerrilla Games’ hit series.

With a bow-wielding female protagonist, robotic beasts, and a post-apocalyptic setting, the similarities are striking. Many gamers are now wondering: is this just a case of similar inspiration, or is Light of Motiram a blatant copycat of Horizon?

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Key Features of Light of Motiram

• Open-World Multiplayer Survival: Players can explore a vast world, interact with the environment, and face threats together in cooperative multiplayer.
• Mechanimals: These robot-like animals can be tamed, befriended, and even raised, a feature that echoes the creature-taming elements of Horizon and Palworld.
• Solo or Co-op Gameplay: Whether you prefer to play alone or team up with up to 9 other players, Light of Motiram offers flexibility with full crossplay support.
• Free-to-Play Model: The game will be accessible to a wide audience, without upfront costs, with optional in-game purchases.

Accusations: Is It Too Similar to Horizon?

Critics have not been shy in pointing out the striking resemblances between Light of Motiram and the Horizon series:

• Robot Beasts: Just like the robotic creatures in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, Light of Motiram features mechanized animals as key gameplay elements.
• Female Protagonist with a Bow: The game’s central character, a female survivor wielding a bow, strongly mirrors Horizon’s protagonist, Aloy.
• Post-Apocalyptic Aesthetic: Both games feature lush landscapes interspersed with the ruins of an ancient, collapsed civilization.
• Survival and Crafting: The mechanics of gathering resources, crafting, and surviving are reminiscent of Horizon’s open-world gameplay.

Other Comparisons: Palworld and Monster Hunter

But it’s not just Horizon that Light of Motiram is being compared to. Many have pointed out similarities to Palworld, a game known for its creature collection and survival mechanics, which was accused of copying Pokémon.

Moreover, the game also evokes memories of Monster Hunter with its focus on hunting large, menacing creatures and resource collection in a hostile environment.

What Could Sony Do About This?

As the creator of Horizon, Sony might not take kindly to these comparisons, especially given that Guerrilla Games is reportedly working on a multiplayer, live-service Horizon game. Could this mean legal action? As of now, there has been no official comment from Sony or Guerrilla Games. However, given the similarities, it’s possible that Sony may take a closer look if Light of Motiram gains traction in the market.

Why Should Gamers Care?

• Innovation vs. Imitation: Light of Motiram raises the question of where to draw the line between being inspired by a game and outright copying it. While game mechanics like creature-taming and post-apocalyptic worlds are common in many games, the degree of similarity in both style and execution has raised alarms among players.
• Impact on the Industry: If these accusations hold, it could set a precedent for more companies taking inspiration (or copying) from successful titles, leading to fewer original ideas and more derivative games.

Conclusion: A Case of Inspiration or Copying?

As the gaming world waits for more details, one thing is certain: Light of Motiram is stirring up controversy. Whether it will go down as a successful homage to Horizon or a blatant rip-off remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Tencent’s new title will likely continue to be in the spotlight as it heads toward its 2025 release.

For now, we can only wait and see whether Sony or Guerrilla Games will make a move to protect their intellectual property, or if Light of Motiram will carve its own path and redefine the survival multiplayer genre.

Stay tuned for updates as this saga continues to unfold.