### Tencent’s Light of Motiram: The Horizon Clone Nobody Asked For
You know that feeling when you see a blatant knockoff and think, “Wow, they didn’t even try”? Well, Tencent has somehow managed to lower that bar further with its totally original—*wink wink*—game, **Light of Motiram**. This gem recently had its Steam page quietly updated in what some might call a bold attempt at subtlety, but let’s not kid ourselves: we all see the elephant in the room, and it’s wearing Aloy’s outfit from *Horizon Zero Dawn*.
Yes, we’re diving into the glorious mess that is Tencent’s latest “original” project, which seems to have borrowed—uh, sorry, *been inspired by*—a little too much from Guerrilla Games’ critically acclaimed *Horizon* series. Spoiler alert: it’s not winning any awards for creativity.
—
What Exactly Is Light of Motiram?
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just have better things to do than track gaming drama), **Light of Motiram** is Tencent’s answer to the question literally nobody asked: “What would happen if we copied *Horizon Zero Dawn*, but made it… worse?” This action RPG features a post-apocalyptic world, giant mechanical enemies, and a protagonist who looks suspiciously like Aloy’s distant cousin twice removed.
The game was introduced in late 2022 with a trailer that screamed “Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V” from start to finish. Fast forward to now, and Tencent has apparently gone back to tweak its Steam page. Because, you know, a fresh coat of paint will totally distract us from the fact that this is essentially *Horizon Lite*.
—
A Quiet Update to Save Face?
Tencent’s decision to update the game’s Steam page without much fanfare is, frankly, hilarious. It’s the digital equivalent of trying to sneak a bad haircut past your friends by wearing a hat. According to Eurogamer, the update included some visual tweaks and possibly a few gameplay adjustments. But let’s be real: no amount of pixel polishing is going to hide the fact that this game is about as original as a cover band at a dive bar.
And it’s not just the visuals. The gameplay mechanics—ranging from climbing mechanics to combat—are eerily similar to *Horizon*. Coincidence? Sure, and I’m the Tooth Fairy.
—
Why Do Companies Like Tencent Keep Doing This?
Let’s break it down:
1. **Money Talks:** Developing a truly original game takes time, money, and, oh yeah, creativity. Why bother when you can just slap together a “homage” to a popular title and rake in the cash?
2. **It Works (Sometimes):** Let’s not pretend this is a one-off. Remember when Tencent released *PUBG Mobile* and then somehow also “inspired” a whole wave of battle royale clones? Yeah, this isn’t their first rodeo.
3. **Minimal Accountability:** Gaming companies have a knack for pushing boundaries until someone calls them out. And even when they do, it’s not like anyone’s rushing to pull the plug on Tencent’s billion-dollar empire.
—
Pros & Cons of Light of Motiram
Let’s take a moment to pretend we’re being objective here:
**Pros:**
– It’s a game. It exists. That’s something, right?
– The graphics look decent, assuming you’re not comparing them to the *Horizon* series.
– Might be fun for people who’ve never played *Horizon Zero Dawn* and have no idea what they’re missing.
**Cons:**
– Blatant lack of originality. Seriously, it’s almost insulting.
– A quiet update suggests Tencent knows it messed up but doesn’t care enough to fully address it.
– It’s hard to shake off the “budget version of Horizon” vibe.
—
The Bigger Picture: Cloning in the Gaming Industry
This isn’t just about Tencent or *Light of Motiram*. The gaming industry has a long history of “borrowing” ideas. Remember the flood of *Among Us* clones? Or how every other mobile game looks like it was designed in the same factory? It’s a systemic issue, fueled by the never-ending demand for quick profit over artistic integrity.
But here’s the thing: gamers aren’t stupid. Sure, we’ll tolerate a clone or two if they’re done well (*cough* Fortnite *cough*), but there’s a limit. Tencent might be a billion-dollar corporation, but even they can’t afford to alienate their audience with subpar knockoffs forever. Right?
—
Will Light of Motiram Survive the Backlash?
Only time will tell. Maybe Tencent will surprise us all by turning this game into something truly remarkable. Or maybe they’ll just quietly sweep it under the rug and move on to their next “inspired” project. Either way, it’s clear they’re not losing sleep over originality.
In the meantime, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the irony of a company as powerful as Tencent resorting to such shameless mimicry. Because if nothing else, *Light of Motiram* is proof that even giants can stumble—and sometimes, it’s downright entertaining to watch.
—
Final Thoughts: Should You Play Light of Motiram?
If you’re dying to relive the *Horizon Zero Dawn* experience but don’t feel like replaying the actual game, sure, give it a shot. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind. And if you’re a fan of Guerrilla Games, consider this a lesson in what happens when imitation lacks innovation.
Looking for more gaming news or want to read about other industry fiascos? Check out our article on How Cloning is Undermining the Gaming Industry.
—
**What do you think about companies like Tencent “borrowing” ideas from successful franchises? Sound off in the comments below!**
**P.S.: Don’t forget to subscribe for more sarcastic takes on the tech world delivered straight to your inbox.**
