Eight Questions and Answers: Decoding Sony's Ethereum Layer 2 Network Soneium
- Core Viewpoint: Sony Group, through its joint venture Sony Block Solutions Labs, has announced the launch of Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 network built on the Optimism OP Stack. This marks a crucial step for the tech giant in integrating its Web2 and Web3 strategies.
- Key Elements:
- Technical Foundation: Soneium will be built using Optimism Rollup technology and the OP Stack. It is an EVM-compatible, scalable Layer 2 network, with its testnet expected to launch in the coming days.
- Strategic Context: This move is a continuation of Sony's Web3 strategy. The joint venture was established by Sony Network Communications and Startale Labs, led by Astar Network co-founder Sota Watanabe, with the aim of developing the "Sony Chain."
- Ecosystem Relationship: The existing Astar Network (Layer 1) will not be directly converted. However, its zkEVM will transition to the Soneium L2, and the ASTR token is expected to play a key role in the new ecosystem.
- Network Vision: Soneium is positioned as a versatile, general-purpose blockchain aimed at serving global users and creators, building an open internet that transcends cultural differences.
- Community and Token: The project has opened an official Discord community for early participation. However, it has explicitly stated that ETH will be used for gas fees, and there are currently no plans to issue a native token or conduct an airdrop.
Original | Odaily (@OdailyChina)
Author | Asher (@Asher_0210 )
This afternoon, a piece of news sparked heated discussions across major communities: Japanese tech giant Sony plans to launch an Ethereum Layer 2 network called Soneium. Sony Block Solutions Labs announced this Friday that it will launch a new Layer 2 network named Soneium on the Ethereum blockchain. Soneium is expected to go live on the testnet in the coming days. It will utilize Optimism Rollup technology and be built using the OP Stack from the Optimism blockchain ecosystem.
Odaily will clarify Sony's upcoming Soneium network in a Q&A format, combining market information and community details about the new project Soneium.
Q1: Is this Sony's first exploration into the Web3 space?
A1: No. As early as 2022, Sony began its strategic layout in the Web3 field, including the metaverse sector, NFT infrastructure, and foundational facilities. The most discussed initiative was in early 2023, when Sony Network Communications, a business unit under Sony Group, partnered with the multi-chain smart contract network Astar Network to launch a Web3 incubation program for projects focused on NFT and Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) utility.
Sota Watanabe, Head of Sony Block Solutions Labs, previously stated: "By 2026, Sony Group will create a unified ID for all Sony-related products and services. It would be very interesting if we could build a DID on top of the blockchain; it would become an interface connecting Web3 and Web2."
Q2: What is the relationship between Sony, Astar Network, and Startale Labs?
A2 : To explain the relationship between the three, one must understand a key individual: Sota Watanabe. He is the co-founder of Astar Network, the CEO of Startale Labs, and also the Head of Sony Block Solutions Labs. Startale Labs inherits the technical and knowledge foundation Sota Watanabe gained from operating Astar Network. Startale Labs also collaborates with Sony, having received funding from Sony and established a joint venture with the company.
In September last year, Sota Watanabe announced that Startale Labs and Sony Network Communications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, would establish a joint venture subsidiary named "Sony Network Communiations Labs Pte. Ltd." (now known as Sony Block Solutions Labs). The new company would focus on the research and development of blockchain technology. The joint venture would advance the development of Sony Chain, which had the potential to surpass Coinbase's launched Layer 2 network, Base. Nearly a year later, Soneium is finally about to be unveiled.
Q3: What are the features of Sony's upcoming Layer 2 network, Soneium?
A3: Soneium utilizes the OP Stack and Superchain developed by the Optimism Foundation to create a scalable, EVM-compatible, and developer-friendly blockchain. Furthermore, Soneium plans to be a versatile, general-purpose blockchain capable of meeting various needs across all verticals and supporting users globally. On the Soneium network, everyone is a creator, regardless of their location or profession. The team aims to build an open internet that transcends cultural differences and brings together people with diverse values.
Q4: Will Astar Network directly convert into the Soneium chain?
A4: No. The two are closely related but are not the same project. Soneium is a new Ethereum Layer 2 project built using the Optimism tech stack, while Astar is a Layer 1 project. To support the development of the Soneium project, Astar zkEVM will transition to the Soneium L2, and the ASTR token will play a key role within the Soneium ecosystem.
Q5: Are there any major upcoming moves for Soneium?
A5 : Yes. The team plans to launch the Soneium testnet with the OP Stack in the coming days. Developers and creators can begin experiencing Soneium's development environment and start building their own applications on the testnet.
Q6 : Are there any early participation opportunities available now?
A6: Yes. On one hand, follow the official X account (Click here for the link) for the latest project updates. On the other hand, the official Discord community has just opened. You can currently earn OG status by being active in the channels.
Q7 : How to obtain OG status in the official Discord?
A7: Step 1: Join the official Discord community (Click here for the link). Step 2: Be active in the 【waiting-room】 channel until reaching level 2, which will automatically unlock the 【join-main-server】 channel. Step 3: Click the 【join-main-server】 button at the top left of the server + complete verification to enter the main channel, and you will automatically receive the OG role 【GM】.
Q8: Does Soneium have a token issuance plan?
A8: Not confirmed yet. According to community screenshots, a community administrator stated that Soneium will use ETH as the gas fee for its L2 network, with no current plans for issuing a native token or conducting a token airdrop. However, this content has since been deleted.
