Tencent continues that Sony is effectively trying to claim exclusive rights to familiar genre elements. “It is an improper attempt to fence off a well-trodden corner of popular culture and declare it Sony’s exclusive domain,” the company says, adding that Sony’s characterization of Horizon Zero Dawn as uniquely original is contradicted by admissions from Horizon’s own developers and by a long history of games sharing similar mechanics and motifs.
Tencent also highlights public comments from Horizon Zero Dawn’s developers acknowledging influences from earlier games—pointing to art director Jan-Bart van Beek’s comparison of Horizon’s concept to the 2013 action-adventure Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Tencent says that admission undermines Sony’s claim that the Horizon franchise contains elements that are entirely novel.
Legally, Tencent contends Sony sued the wrong parties. “None of the served defendants develop and market the Light of Motiram video game that Sony alleges infringes its intellectual property in the Horizon franchise,” the response states. Polaris Quest is the studio developing Light of Motiram, while Tencent Holdings functions as the corporate parent—Tencent says that distinction matters for the court’s claims.
Tencent further argues Sony’s pleading lumps disparate entities together with conclusory allegations, saying Sony’s broad references to “Tencent” or “Defendants” fail to substantiate claims specifically against Tencent America, Proxima Beta US, or Tencent Holdings.
Timing is another point of contention. Light of Motiram is reported to be scheduled for release in 2027, and Tencent emphasizes that the alleged infringements are speculative while the game remains unreleased. The company requests dismissal of the claims brought against Tencent America, Proxima Beta U.S., and Tencent Holdings on that basis.
Tencent’s formal response was filed after Sony’s initial complaint, which was submitted in late July. It may be some time before either side issues another public statement; for now, Light of Motiram appears to remain in active development.
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Source: gamesradar.com
