Sony Block Solutions Labs, the blockchain division of Sony Group Corporation, has announced the launch of the first public testnet for its Soneium blockchain, an Ethereum Layer 2 network based on the Optimism stack (Op Stack). Alongside the testnet, Sony is also rolling out a developer incubation program to foster innovation on the platform.
“This dual initiative marks a significant milestone in Sony Group Corporation’s entry into Web3, poised to catalyze ecosystem growth and accelerate adoption by leveraging its vast global reach and technological expertise across entertainment, gaming, and consumer electronics sectors,” Sony stated in a press release.
The Soneium blockchain is designed to offer a cost-effective environment for developing consumer-grade applications. Early experimenters on the network will include prominent Web3 players like Circle, Optimism, Alchemy, The Graph, Chainlink, and the Astar Network.
Launched as a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Startale Labs in 2023, the project has since been handed over to Sony Network Communications Labs for further development. The ASTR token is set to become a key asset on the EVM-compatible Minato testnet, which will play a central role in the Soneium ecosystem.
Sony’s move into the blockchain space underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in the Web3 industry, with Soneium serving as a cornerstone of its strategy to integrate blockchain technology across its entertainment, gaming, and consumer electronics businesses.
