Gamers Accuse Tencent of Plagiarizing Horizon Zero Dawn

Today, a new game called Light of Motiram has been announced. Developed by Polaris Quest, a subsidiary of Tencent, the game has sparked widespread discussion since its first image was revealed—though not for the most positive reasons. In particular, its aesthetic bears a striking resemblance to a certain Sony franchise, and the public immediately took notice.

Similarities to Horizon Zero Dawn

The project has ignited controversy in the gaming community due to its apparent similarities with Sony’s popular franchises Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. The game is described as an open-world adventure set in a land “where human civilization has ceased to exist,” inhabited by mechanical animals known as “mechanimals,” including a large gorilla, deer, and bull. This premise, critics argue, closely mirrors Guerrilla Games’ series.

Although Light of Motiram includes unique features, such as cooperative multiplayer and the ability to craft shelters, many users on social media have pointed out that the mechanimals—such as a gorilla, a deer, and a bull—are visually strikingly similar to those in Horizon. The game’s description notes that players will face “primal civilizations, unpredictable weather, and lurking mechanimals,” which some players believe echoes the world-building of Horizon.

Comparisons with Palworld and Legal Concerns

Moreover, the game introduces the option to tame and train these creatures, leading to comparisons with Palworld, another title that has faced criticism for drawing inspiration from Pokémon. Players have been quick to accuse Tencent of copying elements from these well-known games, with some calling the similarities “blatant.”

As of now, neither Tencent nor Polaris Quest have responded to the accusations, and the debate over the game’s originality continues to grow. This situation once again highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the video game industry and the blurry lines between inspiration and outright copying—especially in a competitive market where fresh ideas are in high demand.