Soneium blockchain was launched by Sony to attract web3 developers
Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Singapore-based Statale Labs, has announced the launch of its new layer-2 blockchain, “Sonium”. Blockchain aims to attract application developers from various sectors including entertainment, gaming, finance and more.
According to a joint statement from Sony Group and Startale, Sony TestNet will be introduced in collaboration with Aster Network.
The Sony Group has been experimenting with incorporating Web3 technologies into its operations, and its entry into the blockchain space could further strengthen Web3 adoption. Commenting on the initiative, Sony Block Solutions Lab Chairman Jun Watanabe said:
“We work to create diverse businesses and new use cases with the goal of reaching as many users as possible at a customer value that can only be enjoyed with Web3 technology.”
Partnerships to improve Sony's capabilities
Web3 companies, including Optimum, Circle, Alchemy, The Graph and Chainlink, have joined as technology partners for Sonium's testnet launch. Collaboration with industry players is expected to improve Sonium's capabilities in various blockchain activities.
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According to the statement, Sonium TestNet provides built-in tools to help developers navigate international regulations to create compliant applications.
“Sony Group has strong distribution channels across multiple industries and users in our daily lives. At Sony, we make what people want and go beyond Web3 to the core,” said Sota Watanabe, director of Sony Block Solution Labs.
Source: Sonium
The initiative will look into the future of Sony-compatible applications for existing Web3 services as well as new services related to businesses within the Sony Group.
Sony's other Web3 initiative
Sony Group's initiatives with other Web3 technologies include the video game division's March 2023 patent filing on “NFT Framework for Transferring and Using Digital Assets Between Gaming Platforms.” This move is in an effort to provide players with more opportunities related to their in-game assets.
Sony's home country of Japan is growing its Web3 community. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry aims to increase strategic local investments into Web3 startups by allowing limited partnership companies to own and hold crypto assets.
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