Sony Sues Tencent Over Alleged Horizon Game Copyright Infringement

Sony Alleges Tencent Copied Horizon Game Mechanics in New Lawsuit

Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Chinese tech giant Tencent, alleging that the latter’s new game, “Immortal and Living,” infringes on the intellectual property of its popular “Horizon” franchise.

The legal action, brought forth by Sony, details claims that Tencent’s latest offering features mechanics and design elements that are strikingly similar to those found in Sony’s acclaimed “Horizon” titles.

This alleged infringement could perhaps impact the competitive landscape of the gaming industry,particularly within the action-adventure genre. Sony argues that these similarities go beyond mere inspiration and constitute a direct copying of its copyrighted material.

“Horizon zero Dawn,” released in 2017, and its sequel, “Horizon Forbidden West,” have garnered critical acclaim for their unique gameplay, world-building, and narrative. The lawsuit suggests that Tencent’s “Immortal and Living” may have borrowed heavily from these established features.

As of now, Tencent has not released an official statement addressing the lawsuit. the gaming community will be closely watching for Tencent’s response and the ensuing

What legal precedents regarding copyright infringement in game growth might influence the Sony v. Tencent case?

The Core of the Dispute: Horizon IP protection

On July 28, 2025, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) filed a lawsuit against Tencent, alleging copyright infringement related to the Horizon game franchise. The legal action centers around claims that Tencent’s recently released mobile game, Dawn of the Gods, bears striking similarities to sony’s critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon forbidden West. This dispute highlights the growing tension surrounding intellectual property (IP) rights in the rapidly expanding mobile gaming market and the challenges of protecting valuable game franchises. Key terms involved include copyright law, intellectual property, game development, and mobile gaming.

Specific Allegations Against Tencent

Sony’s lawsuit details several specific instances of alleged copyright infringement. these include:

Character Design: Similarities in the design of key characters, especially the protagonist and robotic creatures, are a central point of contention. Sony argues that Dawn of the Gods features characters that are substantially similar to Aloy and the machines from the Horizon series.

World design & Surroundings: The overall aesthetic and environmental design of Dawn of the Gods reportedly mirrors the post-apocalyptic, nature-reclaimed world of Horizon. This includes similar vegetation, architectural ruins, and overall color palettes.

Gameplay Mechanics: Sony claims that core gameplay mechanics, such as the use of bows and arrows, strategic combat against robotic enemies, and crafting systems, are directly copied from the Horizon games.

art Style & Visual Effects: The lawsuit alleges that Dawn of the Gods replicates the distinctive art style and visual effects present in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.This includes lighting, textures, and animation styles.

These allegations fall under the umbrella of game copyright, artistic licence, and derivative works.

Tencent’s Response and Potential defenses

As of this publication, Tencent has not issued a formal public statement directly addressing the lawsuit. However, potential defenses could include:

Independent Creation: Tencent might argue that Dawn of the Gods was developed independently, without any intentional copying of the Horizon franchise.This would require demonstrating a clear development process and source materials.

Fair Use: A fair use defense is unlikely to be accomplished given the extent of the alleged similarities, but Tencent could attempt to argue that the use of certain elements falls under permissible fair use guidelines.

Lack of Significant Similarity: Tencent could challenge Sony’s claims by arguing that the similarities are superficial and do not constitute substantial copyright infringement. This frequently enough involves expert testimony and detailed comparative analysis.

Parody or Satire: While unlikely in this case, a parody or satire defense could be considered if Dawn of the Gods intentionally mocks or comments on the Horizon series.

Legal experts suggest the case will heavily rely on demonstrating substantial similarity and proving intentional copying.

The Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry

This lawsuit has critically important implications for the gaming industry,particularly concerning mobile game development and IP protection.

Increased Scrutiny of Mobile Games: The case is highly likely to lead to increased scrutiny of mobile games, especially those that appear to draw heavily from established franchises.

Strengthened IP Enforcement: Sony’s aggressive stance signals a willingness to actively protect its intellectual property, perhaps encouraging other game developers to do the same.

Challenges in Defining “Substantial Similarity”: The lawsuit will likely force courts to further refine the legal definition of “substantial similarity” in the context of video games, which are complex and multifaceted works.

Global Copyright Considerations: The case may involve navigating international copyright laws, as Tencent is a Chinese company and Dawn of the Gods may be distributed globally. this introduces complexities related to international copyright treaties and enforcement.

Previous Cases & Precedents

This isn’t the frist time copyright infringement has been alleged in the gaming industry. Notable past cases include:

Epic Games vs. Apple (2021): While primarily focused on app store policies, this case highlighted the importance of IP rights in the digital marketplace.

Nintendo vs. romuniverse (2021): Nintendo successfully sued RomUniverse for distributing illegally downloaded Nintendo games, reinforcing the protection of game ROMs.

Activision blizzard vs. Garena (2018): activision Blizzard sued garena for copyright infringement related to Call of Duty Online.

These cases demonstrate the willingness of major game publishers to defend their IP and the potential consequences for those who infringe on those rights. The concept of derivative rights and copyright ownership will be central to the Sony vs. Tencent case.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

The lawsuit is currently in its early stages. Potential outcomes include:

Settlement: Sony and Tencent could reach a settlement agreement, potentially involving financial compensation, removal of Dawn of the Gods from app stores, or modifications to the game’s design.

Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine whether Tencent infringed on Sony’s copyright.

Injunction: Sony could