Tencent’s New Survival Game ‘Light of Motiram’ Sparks Debate Over Originality
Tencent, the Chinese tech giant, has recently introduced its latest venture into the gaming world with “Light of Motiram,” an open-world survival crafting game developed by its subsidiary Polaris Quest. This announcement, however, has not come without its share of controversy, as the game bears a striking resemblance to Sony’s acclaimed “Horizon” series, particularly in its visual style, setting, and gameplay mechanics.
The Game
“Light of Motiram” is set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where mechanized creatures, dubbed “Mechanimals,” roam freely across a world where human civilization has regressed to a primitive state. Players are tasked with exploring vast terrains from lush rainforests to snow-capped mountains, engaging in survival activities like building bases, advancing technology, and taming over 100 types of customizable Mechanimals. The game promises a rich narrative where players uncover the secrets behind MOTIRAM, the game’s mysterious world.
The mechanics of “Light of Motiram” include crafting, building with a realistic physics engine, cooperative multiplayer for up to 10 players, and battling against formidable bosses, echoing elements found in both survival games like “Palworld” and Sony’s “Horizon” franchise. The game is slated for release on PC via platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, with no confirmed release date yet.
Controversy Over Design
The unveiling of “Light of Motiram” has led to a significant backlash from gamers and industry observers who have accused Tencent of outright copying Sony’s “Horizon” series. The similarities are not just in the concept of a post-apocalyptic world with mechanized wildlife but extend to character designs, the aesthetic of the landscapes, and even the protagonist’s look, which closely mirrors that of Aloy from “Horizon Zero Dawn” and “Horizon Forbidden West”.
Critics on social media have been quick to point out these similarities, with comments ranging from jesting about the game being “Horizon 3 – let’s go!” to outright accusations of it being a “disgusting rip-off”. The debate has reignited discussions on creativity versus imitation in the gaming industry, especially given Tencent’s past where they’ve often been noted for borrowing heavily from established titles.
Industry Reaction
The gaming community’s reaction has been mixed. While some see “Light of Motiram” as yet another example of how the industry often draws from existing successful formulas, others view it as a missed opportunity for originality from a company with Tencent’s resources. The discussion around this game echoes the recent legal and ethical debates surrounding games like “Palworld,” which was accused of copying Pokémon, although “Light of Motiram’s” case might be seen as more blatant due to its direct visual and mechanical parallels to “Horizon.”
Sony has yet to comment officially on the matter, but given the game’s obvious inspirations, there’s speculation about potential legal action. This situation places both companies at a crossroads: Sony to defend its intellectual property, and Tencent to navigate the fine line between inspiration and infringement.
Looking Ahead
“Light of Motiram” represents a significant test for Tencent. It showcases their capability to enter new genres but also puts their approach to game development under scrutiny. If the game can establish its own identity through unique gameplay mechanics or story elements, it might mitigate some of the criticisms. However, if it remains too close to its inspirations without adding substantial value or innovation, it could reinforce the stereotype of Tencent as merely a follower rather than a leader in game development.
As we await the game’s release, the industry will be watching closely to see how “Light of Motiram” evolves from its current state. Will it be remembered as a clever evolution of survival crafting games, or will it be another footnote in the long history of gaming controversies over intellectual property? Only time will tell, but for now, “Light of Motiram” has certainly lit up the conversation in gaming circles globally.
