Amidst the buzz in the gaming community, Tencent’s latest offering, Light of Motiram, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. It has stirred quite the controversy, with many gamers accusing it of mimicking elements from the popular Horizon series by Guerrilla Games. While borrowing ideas from successful games isn’t unheard of, the extent to which Light of Motiram mirrors Horizon is raising eyebrows.
The Horizon franchise, despite being relatively young, has quickly become one of PlayStation’s standout successes. The first installment, Horizon Zero Dawn, captivated audiences with its visually stunning and often perilous post-apocalyptic world, filled with mechanical creatures roaming about. This acclaim is reflected in its over 24 million copies sold, giving rise to a fully-fledged series with more content confirmed to be in the works by Guerrilla last year.
Given Horizon’s distinctive landscape, any game taking cues from it would inevitably draw attention. Such is the case with Light of Motiram, recently unveiled by Tencent’s subsidiary, Polaris Quest. Promoted on Steam as an open-world adventure set in a world where nature and machine collide post-civilization, its premise alone hints at its Horizon inspiration. However, the similarities don’t stop at setting.
In screenshots and trailers, the resemblance to Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West is almost unmistakable. Light of Motiram features verdant environments, mechanized fauna, and tribes surviving in primitive conditions, all hallmarks of Horizon. One character in particular, a red-haired archer, evokes Aloy, Horizon’s iconic protagonist. More than just appearances, the game introduces “Mechanimals” that can be tamed, echoing Horizon’s machine override mechanic. Nonetheless, Light of Motiram attempts to carve its niche with features like co-op multiplayer for up to nine people and the inclusion of base building, which Horizon doesn’t offer.
Despite these differences, the backlash has been swift, with speculation rife about potential legal repercussions from Guerrilla Games or Sony aimed at Tencent. Such a scenario is within the realm of possibility—earlier this year, Nintendo pursued legal action against another developer, citing similar grievances about patent violations. Light of Motiram aims for a 2025 launch on PC and mobile platforms, but this timeline might be in question if legal battles ensue.
For those less familiar, the Horizon games center around Aloy, who navigates a futuristic yet primitive world, dominated by colossal mechanical beasts. The series offers players a comprehensive action-RPG experience, inviting exploration and adventure in its lush, expansive world. With a sequel, Horizon: Forbidden West, already enriching its legacy, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Aloy and her universe.
