Sony Group launches L2, aiming to create the most widely adopted blockchain, Soneium.

Japanese tech giant Sony's Sony Block Solutions has announced the launch of the new Layer 2 Soneium, since September 12 last year when Sony announced its collaboration with Startale Labs, a development that has been in the works for almost a year. Sony Block Solutions Labs stated in the announcement that with the launch of Soneium, they plan to leverage Sony's global Web2 influence to provide Web3 applications in entertainment, gaming, and finance, among other fields.

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Soneium is an Ethereum Layer 2 public chain developed using OP Stack, touted as a scalable, EVM-compatible, and developer-friendly blockchain. Developing with OP Stack means it will be part of the Optimism Superchain project.

Sony Block Solutions Labs stated: "Soneium will be the playground for Web3 dreamers. We will design our platform from scratch to realize developers' dreams. At Soneium, we understand the strength of any blockchain ecosystem lies in its ability to attract and retain talented developers and innovative projects." The official confidently believes Soneium will be the top choice platform for Web3 Builders.

The Director of Sony Block Solutions Labs has an impressive background; he is Sota Watanabe, CEO of Statale Labs and founder of multi-chain smart contract platform Astar. This young blockchain entrepreneur, who was selected for the Forbes Asia and Japan 30 under 30 list in 2022, said: "As the founder of Astar Network, I have been involved in public blockchain development since 2019. To truly popularize Web3 in society, we have decided to take the first step and transition Astar Layer 2 and the community to Soneium. The Web3 industry currently lacks sufficient touchpoints with ordinary users, and through our collaboration with the world-leading Sony Group, our goal is to lead and shape the future of Web3."

Optimism has announced the Superchain roadmap, aiming to integrate Ethereum ecosystem from Layer 2)

Soneium Aims to Be the Most User-Friendly Blockchain

The vision of this project is to use blockchain as the underlying infrastructure for Web3, providing a comprehensive Web3 solution from infrastructure to application layer. In addition to building Web3 applications on Soneium, they are also considering introducing new services related to Sony Group's business to spark the interest of those who have never used Web3 services. For example, through Web3 technology, Soneium is dedicated to enabling creators to expand their creativity continuously and enhance their interaction with fan communities. Specifically, they will explore mechanisms for protecting creators' rights, supporting profit-sharing between creators and fans, and opportunities for creators to be active in both the digital and real worlds.

The project's slogan is #GMwithSoneium, which embodies the mission of bringing blockchain to the mainstream world. As an Ethereum Layer 2 public chain, Soneium will combine Ethereum's security and decentralization with scalability and user-friendliness. Through Sony Group's vast global presence in entertainment, finance, electronics, and gaming, Soneium will introduce blockchain technology to users worldwide. The Soneium project aims to bridge the gap between Web3 innovation and everyday consumer applications, truly bringing blockchain technology into the mainstream.

The author believes that Soneium's utilization of the mature infrastructure of OP Stack and Sony's strength in Web2 hits the common pain point in the blockchain industry of building a lot of infrastructure that nobody uses. If the narrative aligns, the subsequent development will be crucial.

At the same time, this project also emphasizes three values: emotion, continuing to create a place where everyone feels excited and engaged. Creativity, changing the world through human creativity. Going mainstream, creating a world where everyone uses Web3 technology and creates their own narratives.

"We believe that the launch of the Ethereum Layer 2 in collaboration with Sony and Startale is a crucial moment for the entire industry. Due to the lack of opportunities to engage with the public and feedback from Web 2 users, the current industry is not creating what Web3 people want. Sony has the strong ability to create what the public desires." said Sota Watanabe.

The Soneium testnet is preparing for release, and technical documentation will soon be available. Current partners include industry leaders such as Chainlink, Circle, and Optimism.