New details from Sony and Tencent’s legal dispute reveal a twist: while the “Horizon clone” controversy unfolds, it turns out Aurora Studios also pitched another major PlayStation series to the company.

The ongoing lawsuit between Sony and Tencent over the development of Light of Motiram promises to be lengthy, as both sides fiercely defend their positions. The game, quickly dubbed the “Horizon clone,” has sparked heated debate due to its visual and thematic similarities to Horizon: Zero Dawn. But recent statements show that negotiations between the two giants went beyond that franchise — Sony was open to hearing pitches for another one of its flagship properties.

The Game Post obtained court documents featuring the testimony of Olivier Courtemanche, Director of Mobile Devices at PlayStation Studios. His account outlines how Aurora Studios — a Tencent subsidiary behind Light of Motiram — made several attempts to secure Sony’s approval for a new Horizon project. Yet, despite their focus on the Aloy-centered saga, the team also met with Sony executives to discuss the potential for a project based on another hit series.

The first attempts date back to early 2024, during the Game Developers Conference and DICE Summit in Las Vegas, where Tencent presented a Horizon-themed concept dubbed Project Z. Sony declined collaboration via email in April 2024, but Aurora Studios pressed on. By May, Tencent claimed that “Horizon was an IP we felt confident we could adapt, not only because of our passion for the game but also thanks to the expertise we developed during Project Z.” In July, Courtemanche’s team traveled to Shenzhen, China, for in-person talks. “Aurora Studios gave us the impression they were interested in collaborating on The Last of Us,” Courtemanche explained, adding: “I was confused to see Horizon slides again, since we thought the meeting was about other opportunities.”

Sony Fears Light of Motiram Could Endanger Future Success

The courtroom battle shows no signs of ending soon. Following the viral reveal of Light of Motiram, Sony accused Tencent of causing “irreparable harm to Sony and the public.” The company demanded compensation and the removal of infringing materials. Meanwhile, Tencent defended itself by appealing to artistic freedom, arguing that Sony was trying to “monopolize an idea” by claiming ownership of creative traits such as “red-haired heroes, ruined civilizations, and mechanical beasts.”

To avoid legal complications, Tencent altered several visuals and assets in Light of Motiram. Nonetheless, Sony remains firm, stating that the Aurora Studios game could “jeopardize the Horizon franchise’s future success.” Although this legal feud is still in its early stages, it clearly signals a tense and prolonged confrontation between the two industry giants.

Source: 3djuegos