December 18, 2025
Tencent Quietly Removes Light of Motiram Following Horizon-Inspired Legal Dispute
Tencent appears to have quietly stepped away from one of its more controversial upcoming projects. Light of Motiram, an open-world survival game that drew immediate comparisons to Horizon Zero Dawn, has been removed from both Steam and the Epic Games Store following a recently confirmed legal settlement with Sony.
The move has sparked speculation that the game may be canceled entirely or forced into major redesigns behind the scenes.
🎮 Light of Motiram’s Sudden Disappearance
Light of Motiram was announced in late 2024 and quickly gained attention for its striking similarities to Guerrilla Games’ Horizon franchise.
Key elements that drew attention included:
- A post-apocalyptic world dominated by large mechanical creatures
- A protagonist design that closely mirrored Horizon’s visual identity
- Open-world survival mechanics paired with machine-based enemies
While some players were curious, criticism mounted almost immediately, with many calling the project a near carbon copy rather than a fresh take.
⚖️ Sony’s Lawsuit and Legal Escalation
Sony formally escalated concerns in mid-2025 by filing a lawsuit against Tencent, alleging copyright and trademark infringement.
According to the claims:
- Tencent had previously pitched a Horizon-related mobile project to Sony
- The pitch was rejected, but development allegedly continued using similar assets and design concepts
- The similarities extended beyond visuals into audio design, color palettes, and interface elements
By early December, Tencent agreed to pause public testing and promotional efforts while the case moved toward a potential court hearing.
🛑 Settlement Followed by Storefront Removal
On December 18, court records confirmed that the lawsuit was dropped following a confidential settlement between the parties.
Notable details include:
- The case was dismissed with prejudice, preventing it from being reopened
- No public information was shared regarding financial terms
- Shortly before the filing appeared, Light of Motiram vanished from major digital storefronts
Tencent and the game’s development studio have not issued official statements addressing the removal or the game’s status.
🌐 What’s Still Online — and What Isn’t
Despite its removal from stores, some online traces of Light of Motiram remain active:
- The official website is still live
- Social media accounts remain accessible but inactive
- The Discord server is still open, with fans questioning whether the project is canceled
The lack of communication has only added to uncertainty around the game’s future.
🔮 What Comes Next for the Project?
While it’s technically possible that Light of Motiram could return with a redesigned identity, the scale of changes required would be substantial.
Sony’s original claims suggested that the similarities were deeply embedded across:
- Art direction
- Music and sound design
- User interface and presentation
Reworking these foundational elements would demand significant time and investment, making a revival unlikely in the near term.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The quiet disappearance of Light of Motiram highlights the increasing risks of developing games that closely resemble established franchises. As publishers become more protective of their intellectual property, originality is no longer just a creative goal—it’s a legal necessity.
Whether Light of Motiram is permanently shelved or reimagined entirely, its situation serves as a cautionary example for studios navigating inspiration versus imitation in today’s competitive gaming landscape.