Sony Launches an Ethereum L2 Called Soneium to ‘Realize the Open Internet’

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Sony, the Japanese multinational tech giant behind some of the most iconic consumer electronics like the Walkman, is aiming to build its own blockchain: an Ethereum layer-2 network called “Soneium” built with rollup technology on top of the OP Stack.

According to the announcement made with Singapore-based Startale Labs, Sony has started a joint venture to “realize the open internet,” one that they claim would “transcend borders,” resuming the ethos of decentralization.

“On Soneium, everyone is a creator, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. We dream of an open internet that transcends cultural differences and brings together people with diverse values. Here, innovation overcomes social, economic and regional constraints, allowing every idea to flourish,” the joint statement said.

Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Startale, will develop Soneium as a public Ethereum layer-2 blockchain. The project leverages Startale’s blockchain expertise and Sony’s extensive experience in technology, content creation, finance, gaming and consumer electronics.

Soneium will use the optimistic rollup technology based on the OP Stack, developed by the Optimism ecosystem. This technology enables cheaper transactions on networks built on Ethereum. The platform is expected to go live on a test network in the coming days.

Three-phase implementation plan

Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Labs and director of Sony Block Solutions Labs, outlined a three-phase plan for the development of Soneium:

1. The first year will focus on attracting Web3 users and developers.

2. Within two years, Soneium aims to integrate with Sony’s diverse range of products, including Sony Bank, Sony Music and Sony Pictures.

3. By the third year, the goal is to integrate enterprises and general decentralized applications (dApps) on the platform.

“We will try to integrate as many enterprises as possible from the first year,” Watanabe added, underlining the project’s ambitious timeline.

Soneium’s mission statement reflects its aim to create an inclusive platform that transcends social, economic and regional constraints. The project envisions a space where innovation flourishes, empowering individuals and communities to collaborate and create.

Responsive infrastructure for developers

The platform will provide a developer-centric environment, featuring a complete testnet that reflects mainnet conditions, advanced smart contract capabilities, and scalable infrastructure for high-volume applications. Comprehensive documentation, third-party development tools, and dedicated support channels will be provided to ensure accessibility for builders of all skill levels.

Startale’s involvement in Soneium will be a turnaround of its previous project, Astar zkEVM, integrating core assets and infrastructure with Soneium. In particular, Startale represents these key changes to align Astar Network more closely with Soneium. This includes enhancing the utility of Astar’s native token, ASTR, by integrating it as a key asset in the Soneium L2 ecosystem.

The partnership between Startale and Sony Group builds on a strong working relationship developed over the past 18 months. Startale’s vertically integrated approach to blockchain technology, from the core to the application level, complements Sony Group’s vision for long-term ecosystem growth.

Crypto Briefing previously covered Sony’s announcement of plans to create its own blockchain in September 2023. Recently, Sony expanded its efforts into crypto trading with Amber Japan. The company has also filed a patent for “super-fungible” game tokens, which aim to enable single ownership of in-game assets and transfers on a blockchain, potentially integrating NFTs into its games for the PlayStation ecosystem.

Sony’s entry into the blockchain space with Soneium signals a potential resurgence of interest from major corporations in blockchain technology and its consumer applications. As the project develops, it could pave the way for increased adoption of Web3 technologies across various industries, leveraging Sony’s extensive reach and diverse product ecosystem.

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