Sony Group and Startale Joint Blockchain Venture

Global conglomerate Sony Group’s joint blockchain venture with Startale has announced the development of Soneium, its first Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain designed for scalability and user-friendliness aimed at mainstream adoption.

Upon launch, Soneium plans to deliver Web3 applications across various fields, including entertainment, gaming, and finance, leveraging Sony’s extensive Web2 presence, as stated by Sony Block Solutions Labs.

“Sony Group has strong distribution channels in multiple industries and existing users in our daily lives,” said Sota Watanabe, Founder of Astar Network and Director of Sony Block Solutions Labs, in a press release. “Through Soneium, we will make something people want and go mainstream beyond Web3.”

The joint venture is currently preparing for the blockchain’s testnet launch, although the specific launch date has not yet been announced. Sony Block Solutions Labs indicated that Soneium will soon release technical details concerning the platform’s tools and requirements for developers.

For the testnet, Astar Network plans to integrate its zkEVM assets and underlying infrastructure with Soneium to enhance the new chain’s initial liquidity.

Future use cases for Soneium reportedly include protecting rights for creator-generated content and developing fair profit-sharing mechanisms between creators and fans.

In related news, reports from last month suggest that Sony is also preparing to launch a local cryptocurrency trading platform in Japan.