Tencent Updates Light of Motira’s Steam Assets Amid Sony’s Horizon Lawsuit Fallout

‘Genshin Impact‘ Developer Alters Game Following Sony Copyright Claim over ‘horizon’ Similarities

Shenzhen,China – MiHoYo,the developer behind the globally popular “Genshin Impact,” has made important changes to its upcoming open-world action RPG,currently known onyl as “Wuthering Waves,” following a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The suit alleged striking similarities between “Wuthering Waves”‘ marketing materials and those of Sony’s critically acclaimed “Horizon” series.The most visible changes involve key art. Initial promotional images featuring a character strikingly resembling “Horizon” protagonist Aloy have been replaced with a less overtly similar design. A direct comparison,as highlighted in Sony’s legal complaint,reveals a clear shift in aesthetic.

Beyond the visual overhaul,the game’s official description has also been revised.The original text, emphasizing base building, technology advancement, and “Mechanimals,” has been replaced with a more generic description focusing on survival, courage, and overcoming challenges in a dangerous land.

Further updates include a confirmed, albeit broad, release window. Previously listed as “to be announced,” “Wuthering Waves” is now slated for a Q4 2027 launch.

The core of the Dispute:

Sony’s lawsuit, filed earlier this year, centered on claims of copyright and trademark infringement, as well as false designation of origin. The company sought significant damages – up to $150,000 per instance of copyright infringement – and demanded the complete destruction of all infringing materials. The legal action underscored the growing concern over asset imitation and stylistic mimicry within the increasingly competitive gaming industry.Why This Matters – The Broader Implications:

this case highlights a critical tension in game development: inspiration versus imitation. While developers routinely draw inspiration from existing works, crossing the line into direct copying or creating a confusingly similar product can lead to costly legal battles.

The “horizon”/”wuthering Waves” situation is notably noteworthy as it involves two major players – a Western AAA studio (Sony) and a rapidly expanding Eastern developer (MiHoYo). It sets a precedent for how intellectual property will be protected in a globalized gaming landscape.

Evergreen Considerations – The Future of Game Design & IP Protection:

The Rise of AI & asset Creation: As AI-powered tools become more prevalent in game development, the potential for unintentional copyright infringement increases. developers will need to be increasingly vigilant about the origins of assets and ensure they are not inadvertently replicating protected material. The importance of Unique Identity: In a saturated market, establishing a distinct visual and gameplay identity is crucial for success. relying too heavily on established tropes or mimicking popular titles can hinder a game’s ability to stand out.
Global IP Law Complexities: Copyright and trademark laws vary significantly between countries.Developers targeting a global audience must navigate these complexities to ensure their games are legally compliant in all regions. The Role of Marketing: Marketing materials are frequently enough the first point of contact between a game and potential players.Ensuring these materials are original and do not infringe on existing IP is paramount.Requests for comment from both tencent (MiHoYo’s parent company) and sony Interactive Entertainment have been made, but neither has yet responded. Archyde will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.

What specific allegations does Sony make against Horizon Worlds regarding copyright infringement?

The Shifting Landscape of Asset Ownership & Copyright

The ongoing legal battle between Sony and the developers of Horizon Worlds (formerly known as Horizon Lawsuit) has sent ripples throughout the gaming industry, especially impacting asset creation and distribution platforms like Steam. Recent developments involve Tencent, and specifically, updates to assets associated with the indie game Light of Motira, a title utilizing Steam Workshop. This situation highlights the complexities of digital asset ownership, copyright infringement, and the responsibilities of platform holders.

Understanding the Sony vs. Horizon Lawsuit

The core of the Horizon Lawsuit centers around allegations of copyright infringement. Sony claims that Horizon Worlds unlawfully incorporates elements – specifically, visual assets and design principles – from Sony’s Horizon franchise (Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West). This lawsuit isn’t just about a single game; it’s a landmark case that could redefine how intellectual property is protected within the metaverse and virtual world spaces. The implications extend to user-generated content (UGC) platforms like Steam Workshop,where users create and share assets that can perhaps infringe on existing copyrights.

Tencent’s response & Light of Motira Asset Updates

Following the filing of the Horizon Lawsuit, Tencent, which has a significant investment in Light of Motira’s developer, initiated a review of all assets available through Steam Workshop related to the game. This proactive step aimed to mitigate potential legal risks and demonstrate a commitment to respecting intellectual property rights.

The updates to Light of Motira’s Steam assets included:

Removal of Potentially Infringing Content: Assets identified as potentially resembling elements from the Horizon series were removed from the Steam Workshop. This included textures, models, and environmental designs.

revised Asset Guidelines: Tencent updated the guidelines for asset creators contributing to Light of Motira, explicitly prohibiting the creation of content that infringes on existing copyrights.

Enhanced Moderation: Increased moderation of Steam Workshop submissions for Light of Motira to proactively identify and remove potentially problematic assets.

Communication with Creators: Direct communication with asset creators to explain the changes and provide guidance on creating compliant content.

Impact on Steam Workshop & UGC Platforms

This situation serves as a cautionary tale for all UGC platforms. Steam Workshop, Roblox, and similar platforms face increasing scrutiny regarding copyright infringement. The Horizon Lawsuit has amplified these concerns, forcing platform holders to take more robust measures to protect intellectual property.

Here’s how this impacts the broader ecosystem:

1. Increased Legal Risk for Platforms: Platforms could be held liable for hosting infringing content if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
2. Stricter Content moderation: Expect to see more stringent content moderation policies and automated tools to detect copyright violations.
3. Challenges for Asset Creators: Creators will need to be more diligent in ensuring their work doesn’t infringe on existing copyrights. This may require legal counsel or specialized tools.
4. Potential for Reduced UGC Volume: Stricter moderation could lead to a decrease in the volume of user-generated content available on these platforms.

The Role of AI in Copyright Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly critically important role in copyright detection. AI-powered tools can analyze images, models, and code to identify potential instances of infringement.Several companies are developing AI solutions specifically for this purpose, offering platforms like Steam Workshop a way to automate the content moderation process. However, AI isn’t foolproof and often requires human oversight to ensure accuracy.

Prosus and Investment Implications

While seemingly unrelated, the recent Degroof Petercam increase in Prosus’s price target (from €44.00 to €53.00,as of August 8,2025) reflects broader investor confidence in Tencent’s strategic direction.Tencent’s proactive handling of the Light of Motira situation demonstrates a commitment to responsible investment and risk management, potentially contributing to this positive market sentiment. This highlights how legal challenges and IP protection can indirectly influence investment valuations within the tech sector.

Best Practices for UGC Creators

To avoid copyright infringement when creating content for platforms like Steam Workshop:

Originality is key: Focus on creating original content rather than replicating existing designs.

Research Thoroughly: Before creating an asset, research existing copyrights to ensure your work doesn’t infringe on anyone’s intellectual property.

Understand Platform Policies: Carefully review the terms of service and content guidelines for the platform you’re using.

Seek Legal Advice: If you’re unsure about the legality of your work, consult with an intellectual property attorney.

Utilize Royalty-Free Assets: Consider using royalty-free assets from reputable sources.

Future Outlook: Navigating the Legal Maze

The Horizon Lawsuit* is highly likely to set a precedent for future copyright disputes in the metaverse and UGC spaces. Platforms and creators will need to adapt to a more stringent legal environment. Expect to see increased investment in AI-