Steam Page Update Revamps Game Accused of Copying Horizon with Radical Enhancements

Tencent Quietly Revises ‘Light of Motiram’ After Sony Lawsuit Alleges ‘Horizon’ Infringement

San Francisco, CA – Following a lawsuit filed by Sony alleging copyright infringement, Tencent appears to be distancing its upcoming open-world action RPG, Light of Motiram, from the Horizon franchise. the move comes as Sony claims Tencent pursued the game despite previously having a Horizon spin-off pitch rejected by the PlayStation maker.

The most visible changes are on the game’s Steam page. Previously, descriptions prominently featured “mechanimals” – creatures strikingly similar in design and function to the robotic beasts central to Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. These references have now been removed, replaced with a more generic description focusing on survival in a harsh landscape: “Only by overcoming the challenges of survival can you carve out a place for yourself in this unforgiving land.”

Screenshots have also undergone a revision. Images showcasing a color palette and environmental design reminiscent of Horizon have been swapped out for new visuals,though archery – a key gameplay element still present – remains a focal point.

The legal dispute stems from a 2022 pitch Tencent made to Sony, proposing a Horizon spin-off centered around Aloy’s adventures in Asia, populated with mechanimals inspired by Eastern mythology. Sony reportedly declined the proposal. The lawsuit alleges that Tencent and its developer, Polaris Quest, proceeded with Light of Motiram anyway, effectively utilizing elements of the rejected pitch.

Beyond the Headlines: The Growing Trend of IP Protection in Gaming

This case highlights a critical and increasingly common challenge in the video game industry: protecting intellectual property. As game development becomes more sophisticated and visually immersive, the line between inspiration and infringement becomes increasingly blurred.

Sony’s aggressive stance underscores the value it places on the Horizon franchise, a key pillar of its first-party lineup.The company is signaling a clear message that it will vigorously defend its IP, even against major industry players like Tencent.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a important precedent. A triumphant claim by Sony could embolden other developers to pursue legal action against perceived copycats, potentially leading to a more cautious approach to game design and a greater emphasis on originality. Conversely, a ruling in Tencent’s favor could weaken IP protections and encourage more derivative works.

Light of Motiram is currently slated for a Q4 2027 release, but that timeline is now uncertain pending the resolution of the lawsuit. The case is being closely watched by industry observers as a bellwether for the future of IP enforcement in the rapidly evolving world of video games.

How did Emberlight Games’ response to criticism regarding “aethelgard” demonstrate effective public relations and damage control?

Addressing the Controversy: “Aethelgard” and Initial Criticism

“Aethelgard,” the open-world RPG developed by indie studio emberlight Games, faced importent backlash upon its initial Steam release. Players and gaming publications alike pointed to striking similarities between Aethelgard’s robotic creatures and the machines of Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn. Accusations of asset flipping and blatant copying dominated online forums and review sections,severely impacting the game’s early sales and reputation. Common criticisms centered around the visual design of the “Ironclad” enemies, specifically their resemblance to the Watchers and Striders from the Horizon series. The initial Steam page showcased these similarities prominently, fueling the controversy.

The Dramatic Turnaround: A Comprehensive Update

Emberlight Games responded swiftly and decisively. Rather than dismissing the concerns,they acknowledged the visual overlap and announced a substantial update focused on differentiating Aethelgard’s aesthetic and significantly enhancing gameplay. This update, released on August 8th, 2025, represents a complete overhaul of several key game systems and visual elements.The revamped Steam page now reflects these changes, showcasing a dramatically improved experience.

Key Changes in the August 8th Update:

Redesigned Robotic Enemies: The “Ironclad” enemies have undergone a complete visual redesign. While still retaining a robotic aesthetic, they now feature unique designs inspired by Norse mythology and steampunk influences, moving away from the Horizon comparisons. New animations and behaviors further distinguish them.

enhanced Combat System: The combat system has been reworked to emphasize tactical decision-making and resource management. Players now have access to a wider range of weapons, abilities, and crafting options.

Expanded Open World: The game world has been expanded with new regions, quests, and points of interest. These additions aim to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for players.

Improved Graphics and Performance: Significant optimizations have been made to improve graphics and performance across all platforms. This includes enhanced textures, lighting effects, and draw distances.

New Story Content: Additional story quests and character interactions have been added,fleshing out the game’s narrative and providing players with more context for their actions.

Steam Community Integration & Accessibility

According to Steam’s Wikipedia page, the Steam Community is readily accessible during gameplay via a configurable keybind, even for non-Steam games integrated into the platform. This ease of access allows players to quickly share feedback, report bugs, and engage with the developer community – a feature Emberlight Games actively encouraged following the initial criticism.

The Impact of the Update: Early Reactions

Early reactions to the update have been overwhelmingly positive. Players who previously criticized the game have praised Emberlight Games’ responsiveness and commitment to improving Aethelgard. Review scores on Steam have seen a significant increase, and the game is experiencing a surge in sales. Gaming publications are now revisiting the game, offering revised reviews that highlight the positive changes.

player Testimonials (as of August 8th, 2025):

“I was one of the first to call out the similarities to Horizon, but I have to admit, Emberlight Games really listened. This update is unbelievable!” – Steam User: Valkyrie87

“The combat is so much more engaging now. It feels like a completely different game.” – Steam User: IroncladFan

“The new areas are beautiful and the story is really starting to come together. I’m impressed!” – Steam User: loreseeker

Benefits of the Revamp for Emberlight Games & the Industry

This situation offers valuable lessons for indie developers:

Transparency and Responsiveness: Addressing criticism head-on and demonstrating a willingness to improve can build trust with players.

Unique Artistic Vision: Developing a distinct artistic style is crucial for standing out in a crowded market.

Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the community can provide valuable feedback and foster a loyal fanbase.

The Power of Updates: Substantial updates can revitalize a game and attract new players.

Practical Tips for Developers Facing Similar Challenges

Monitor Social Media & Forums: Keep a close eye on online discussions about your game.

Acknowledge Concerns: don’t ignore criticism. Address it directly and respectfully.

Prioritize Improvements: Focus on addressing the most significant issues raised by players.

Communicate Regularly: Keep players informed about your progress.

* Show, Don’t Just Tell: Demonstrate your improvements through screenshots, videos, and gameplay demos.