Transforming Entertainment with Blockchain Technology
Sony has officially launched its Ethereum Layer 2 platform, Soneium, following a successful four-month testnet period that attracted over 14 million users and processed 47 million transactions, according to Blockscout.
Developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL), Soneium aims to simplify blockchain interactions for creators and fans while fostering an equitable creator economy.
“Soneium is for everyone,” said Sota Watanabe, Director of Sony BSL, emphasizing the importance of onboarding ordinary users without requiring them to understand Web3 technology.
The platform leverages chain abstraction, enabling users to benefit from blockchain without direct interaction or knowledge of the underlying tech.
Built on Ethereum Layer 2 with Optimism’s Superchain
Soneium is built using Optimism’s OP Stack and Superchain architecture, allowing for faster, cost-effective transactions while maintaining Ethereum’s security.
Sony BSL describes Soneium as a “blockchain that evokes emotion and empowers creativity,” designed to go beyond traditional NFTs and collectibles by supporting broader creator economies.
Rather than focusing solely on digital assets, Sony aims to use Soneium across its subsidiaries in film, music, and gaming, bridging Web2 and Web3 through intuitive design and real-world use cases.
Soneium Spark Incubation Program
Sony’s commitment to fostering the creator economy is exemplified by its Soneium Spark incubation program, which selected 32 projects from over 1,700 applicants during the testnet phase. The program aims to onboard innovative projects focused on entertainment and creativity, with Sony providing the infrastructure needed to scale these ventures.
While not all selected projects will launch immediately, Sony BSL noted that the strong developer interest underscores the growing appeal of entertainment-driven blockchain ecosystems.
Future Plans: Protecting Creators and Fair Value Distribution
Looking ahead, Sony BSL plans to develop new frameworks for protecting creator rights and ensuring equitable value distribution between creators and fans. This move aims to position Soneium as a foundational layer in an emerging on-chain entertainment economy, bridging the gap between traditional media and blockchain technology.
Watanabe highlighted the unique potential of entertainment to connect people, arguing that a dedicated “entertainment layer” atop Web3’s existing “finance layer” could drive mainstream crypto adoption.
About Sony Block Solutions Labs
Sony Block Solutions Labs was established as a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Startale Group Pte. Ltd. in Singapore in 2023. Originally named Sony Network Communications Labs Pte. Ltd., the company rebranded in August 2024 to reflect its focus on blockchain solutions for media and entertainment.
