Sony Block Solutions Labs, a collaboration between Sony Group and Singapore-based Startale Labs, has announced the launch of a new layer-2 blockchain called “Soneium.” The blockchain is designed to attract application developers from various sectors, including entertainment, gaming, finance, and more.
In a joint statement, Sony Group and Startale Labs revealed that the Soneium testnet will be rolled out in partnership with Astar Network. Sony Group, which has been exploring the integration of Web3 technologies in its operations, sees this move as a significant step toward enhancing Web3 adoption. Jun Watanabe, chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, explained the initiative, stating:
“We will work to create diverse businesses and new use cases with the aim of reaching as many users as possible with the customer value that can be enjoyed only with Web3 technology.”
Partnerships to Enhance Soneium’s Capabilities
Several Web3 companies, including Optimism, Circle, Alchemy, The Graph, and Chainlink, have joined as technology partners for the Soneium testnet launch. These collaborations are expected to enhance Soneium’s capabilities across various blockchain functionalities. The statement also mentioned that the Soneium testnet will provide built-in tools to assist developers in navigating global regulations, ensuring the creation of compliant applications.
“Sony Group has strong distribution channels in multiple industries and existing users in our daily lives. Through Soneium, we will make something people want and go mainstream beyond Web3,”
Said Sota Watanabe, director of Sony Block Solutions Labs.
The initiative will explore applications for existing Web3 services compatible with Soneium and consider new services linked to businesses within the Sony Group.
Sony’s Broader Web3 Initiatives
Sony Group has been active in other Web3 initiatives, including a patent filed by its video game division in March 2023 for the adoption of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) under the “NFT framework for transferring and using Digital Assets between game platforms” initiative. This was part of an effort to provide gamers with more opportunities related to their in-game assets.
Japan, where Sony is headquartered, has also been supporting its Web3 community. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is pushing for increased strategic domestic investments into Web3 startups by allowing limited partnership firms to acquire and hold crypto assets.
