Sony Group has just revealed Soneium, an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain. They developed it in partnership with Startale, a Web3 infrastructure provider. This project marks Sony's first major step into the blockchain space.
The Soneium network is set to launch soon. Initially, it will operate on a testnet alongside Astar Network, which is known for its multi-chain capabilities. This collaboration will combine Astar's zkEVM assets with Soneium. The goal is to provide initial liquidity and a variety of digital assets, both fungible and non-fungible.
So, what is zkEVM? It's a technology that boosts privacy and efficiency. It uses zero-knowledge proofs, allowing transactions to be verified without showing all the details. Soneium has been in development since at least September 2023. Sota Watanabe, the founder of Astar Network and CEO of Startale, hinted that this project could even surpass Coinbase’s Base network.
Watanabe expressed his respect for Base, saying, “We are targeting more general people. Web3 is still very early and too small a market to compete.” The Soneium blockchain aims to tackle key challenges like scalability, security, and decentralization while being user-friendly.
On the technical side, the network will be built on the Superchain ecosystem platform using Optimism’s OP Stack technology. Watanabe confirmed they plan to join Superchain and collaborate with Base to push the industry forward. The OP Stack enhances Ethereum's scalability by allowing multiple chains to work together, which increases transaction throughput.
This foundation positions Soneium as a significant player in Ethereum’s scaling efforts. The aim is to achieve what they call “internet-level scalability.” Sony BSL plans to leverage its parent company's distribution channels and existing user base to make Web3 technology more accessible to everyday consumers.
Web3 is about the next generation of the internet. It focuses on decentralized technologies, including blockchain, which provide users with more control, data privacy, and peer-to-peer interactions without relying on centralized intermediaries.
Jun Watanabe, chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive Web3 solution for Sony Group. He stated, “We will work to create diverse businesses and new use cases to deliver customer value that can only be enjoyed through Web3 technology.”
This initiative follows Sony’s acquisition of the Japanese crypto exchange WhaleFin last year, which has now been rebranded to S.BLOX Co. WhaleFin originally started as DeCurret, which was acquired by Singapore's Amber Group in 2022.
In the coming weeks, Sony will release technical documentation and tools for developers. This will give them their first hands-on experience with the Soneium blockchain. The testnet will provide a development environment that mirrors mainnet conditions. The goal is to support high-volume applications and drive the adoption of blockchain technology.