Sony Group has finally pulled back the curtain on Soneium, an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain developed in partnership with Web3 infrastructure provider Startale. Driven by a joint venture between Sony and Startale—known as Sony Block Solutions Labs—Soneium marks the company's initial steps towards developing a fully realized blockchain.The network, planned for launch in the coming weeks, will initially operate on a testnet in collaboration with Astar Network, a blockchain platform known for its multi-chain capabilities.
Key Highlights:
Sony BSL's plans include leveraging its parent's distribution channels and existing user base to make Web3 technology more "accessible" to everyday consumers, exploring applications for Web3 services compatible with Soneium, as well as new services linked to Sony's various business sectors. The company is expected to release technical documentation and tools for developers in the coming weeks, providing the first hands-on experience with the Soneium blockchain.Read more at Decrypt.
- The collaboration will integrate Astar's zkEVM assets and infrastructure with Soneium, providing initial liquidity and a range of fungible and non-fungible digital assets.Soneium has been under development since at least September 2023, following initial hints from Sota Watanabe, founder of the Astar Network and CEO of Startale, who previously positioned it as a project capable of surpassing Coinbase's Base network.
- The blockchain aims to address key challenges such as scalability, security, and decentralization while remaining "user-friendly" and delivering practical applications across the entertainment, gaming, and finance sectors.
