Sony Group Corp., a multinational conglomerate, has taken a significant step towards Web3 technology by unveiling its Ethereum-based Layer-2 blockchain, Soneium. This development marks a major move for the tech giant as it seeks to capitalize on the growing popularity of decentralized systems and explore new opportunities in the Web3 space.
The launch of Soneium was announced in a press release on Friday, revealing its development in collaboration with Web3 infrastructure company, Startale Labs. Sony had previously partnered with Startale Labs last year. The public blockchain, Soneium, will be accessible to everyone and will host a variety of Web3 services, including games, NFT marketplaces, and entertainment-related platforms.
Sony’s press release highlighted its ambition for Soneium, stating, “We will work to create use cases that can spark the interest of people who have never used Web3 services.” A test version of the blockchain will be made available to developers shortly, allowing them to gain firsthand experience with the platform. However, the date of the mainnet launch has not been disclosed.
With the launch of Soneium, Sony joins a select group of publicly traded companies that have ventured into their own blockchains. Coinbase, the cryptocurrency exchange, was a pioneer in this trend with the release of Base, another Ethereum-based Layer-2 solution.
Sony’s recent move into Web3 comes as no surprise, considering its earlier ventures. Last month, the company launched S.BLOX Inc., a revamped version of a cryptocurrency exchange it acquired in the previous year. This relaunch included a redesigned interface and a new mobile app. Additionally, a patent filed last year indicated Sony’s exploration of “super-fungible tokens,” a more flexible type of NFT with potential applications for in-game assets.
Sony’s embrace of Web3 is driven by concerns about the increasing centralization of information on the traditional internet and growing optimism about the potential of decentralized systems. This move reflects a growing trend among major companies to explore Web3 technologies and leverage its decentralized, transparent, and secure nature.
