Sony launches Soneium blockchain to accelerate mainstream Web3 adoption. Soneium focuses on scalability built on Optimism's superchain. Soneium's rollout is a three-step plan: developer onboarding, Sony product integration, and enterprise expansion.
Sony has officially entered the blockchain space with the launch of its own network, Soneium, developed in collaboration with Singapore-based Startale Labs.
The initiative, announced on August 23, marks an important step in Sony's strategy to push Web3 technology into the mainstream.
Introducing #Soneium by #Sony Block Solutions Labs. Build a public Ethereum Layer 2 next-generation blockchain ecosystem designed to evoke emotion and foster creativity.
Soneium aims to connect Web3 to everyday internet services and further develop blockchain technology. pic.twitter.com/I7zAIbB5Td
— Soneium💿 (@soneium) August 23, 2024
Soneium blockchain
Soneium is designed as a public Ethereum layer 2 network and is built on Optimism's superchain. It aims to overcome some of the most pressing challenges hindering blockchain adoption, such as scalability and efficiency.
Soneium's infrastructure is supported by industry leaders such as Circle, Chainlink, Alchemy, Astar Network, and The Graph.
Blockchain will initially target Web3 developers and enthusiasts. According to Startale Labs CEO Sota Watanabe, the focus in the first year will be onboarding these core users. In the next year, Sony plans to integrate its own products such as Sony Music, Sony Pictures, and Sony Bank into the platform.
By the third year, the company aims to open up Soneium to other companies and decentralized applications (dApps), building a diverse ecosystem that will foster broader adoption.
Soneium testnet
In conjunction with the launch of the Soneium blockchain, Sony partnered with Astar Network to deploy the Soneium testnet. This testnet provides developers with a fully featured framework and built-in tools to experiment and build applications prior to public release.
Astar’s zero-knowledge Ethereum virtual machine (zkEVM) will also be integrated with Soneium and enhanced with features such as providing liquidity and support for both fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Sony aims to achieve Internet-level scalability
Sony's foray into blockchain is not without precedent. The company had previously acquired Whalefin crypto exchange, which was subsequently rebranded as S.BLOX.
In 2018, Sony began building a blockchain-enabled copyright management system for digital content. In 2023, Sony Network Communications, a division of the Sony Group, announced a strategic partnership with Astar Network to launch the Web3 incubation program.
Sony's ambitious plans for Soneium reflect the company's belief in blockchain as a revolutionary technology that can decentralize the internet and empower users.
With the goal of achieving “Internet-level scalability,” Sony is positioning Soneium as a key player in the future of web3.
Sony's move highlights the growing momentum in the blockchain space as major companies increase exploration and investment in decentralized technology.
