Sony is launching an Ethereum L2 called Soneium to ‘realize the open internet’

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

According to the announcement made with Singapore-based Startale Labs, Sony began the joint venture to “realize the open internet,” one that, they claim, would “transcend boundaries,” echoing the ethos of decentralization.

“On Soneium, everyone is a creator, no matter where you are or what you do. 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 claims.

Sony Block Solutions Labs, the 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 utilize optimistic rollup technology based on the OP Stack, developed by the Optimism ecosystem. This technology allows for cheaper transactions on networks built atop Ethereum. The platform is expected to go live on a test network in the coming days.

Three-phase deployment plan

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

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

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

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

“We’re going to try to onboard enterprises as many as possible from the first year,” Watanabe added, emphasizing the project’s ambitious timeline.

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

Developer-friendly, scalable infrastructure

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

Startale’s involvement in Soneium will be shift its previous project, Astar zkEVM, integrating its assets and underlying infrastructure with Soneium. Notably, Startale is these initiating 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 within 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 base layer to the application layer, complements Sony Group’s vision for long-term ecosystem growth.

Crypto Briefing previously covered the announcement of Sony’s plans to create its own blockchain in September 2023. Recently, Sony has also expanded its efforts in crypto trading with Amber Japan. The company has also filed a patent for “super-fungible” gaming tokens, aiming to allow unique in-game asset ownership 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.