Sony’s Soneium Layer-2 Blockchain Launches

• Sony Group has launched Soneium, a layer-2 blockchain built on the Ethereum blockchain in collaboration with Startale Labs.
• The project aims to tackle two major challenges in Web3: low user engagement and the lack of mainstream use cases.

Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL) has officially launched the mainnet of Soneium, its highly anticipated layer-2 blockchain, representing a key step in its mission to create a decentralized and open internet. Built on Ethereum’s layer-1 infrastructure, Soneium is designed to overcome major challenges while offering a powerful platform for developers, creators, and brands to thrive. 

To ensure a robust and scalable ecosystem, Sony has partnered with leading industry players, including Astar Network, Alchemy, Chainlink, Circle, Optimism, and Graph Protocol. As per the press release, Soneium operates as a public blockchain, welcoming participants without restrictions. Leveraging the Op Stack and Superchain developed by the Optimism Foundation, the blockchain is scalable, EVM-compatible, and tailored for developers. By processing data off-chain, Soneium enhances transaction speeds and reduces costs, making it a practical solution for Web3 innovation.  

Key Projects Supporting Soneium’s Ecosystem

In addition to Soneium Sony has introduced the Fan Marketing Platform, which uses Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to revolutionize engagement and marketing. This platform, set to launch in February 2025, simplifies the issuance of NFTs and tracks engagement metrics through integrated data analysis tools. Key features include web-based wallets with social login options, making it easier for fans to interact with their favorite creators and brands. 

To support creators and brands, Sony has introduced S.BLOX Inc., which offers cryptoasset exchange services designed to simplify access to Web3 applications. New users are being incentivized with Bitcoin (BTC) rewards worth 3,000 yen and an NFT campaign in collaboration with Ghost in the Shell. S.BLOX aims to drive innovation by enabling seamless crypto acquisition and use across the Soneium ecosystem.   

As we reported, Soneium’s journey began in August 2024, when the blockchain was announced in partnership with Startale. Its testnet phase launched the same month and processed an impressive 47 million transactions and attracted over 14 million wallets. This strong performance highlights the platform’s potential to support high-demand Web3 applications.

The Soneium Spark incubation program received 1,700 applications, showcasing developers’ enthusiasm for building on entertainment-focused blockchains. Out of these, 32 projects were selected, spanning games, NFTs, social apps, and financial applications. Although not all projects will launch immediately, the program underscores Soneium’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant creator economy.  

Looking ahead, Sony BSL plans to leverage the Soneium platform across its subsidiaries, including films, games, and music, to develop innovative use cases that appeal to mainstream audiences who may be unfamiliar with Web3 technology. This approach aims to make Web3 technology accessible to a wider audience while fostering innovation.