Sony Block Solutions Labs, Sony’s blockchain division, announced that it has launched the first public testnet for the Soneium blockchain, an Ethereum Layer 2 network based on the Optimism Stack (Op Stack).
Sony to Launch First Public Testnet for Optimism-Based Soneium Blockchain
Alongside the testnet, Sony is also launching 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 broad global reach and technological expertise in the entertainment, gaming and consumer electronics sectors,” Sony said in a press release.
The Soneium blockchain is designed to provide a cost-effective environment for developing consumer-grade applications. Early experimenters on the network will include leading Web3 players such as Circle, Optimism, Alchemy, The Graph, Chainlink, and Astar Network.
Launched as a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Startale Labs in 2023, the project has since been transferred to Sony Network Communications Labs for further development.
The ASTR token will become a key asset on the EVM-compatible Minato testnet, which will play a central role in the Soneium ecosystem.
Sony’s entry into the blockchain space underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in the Web3 industry, with Soneium serving as the cornerstone of its strategy to integrate blockchain technology into its entertainment, gaming, and consumer electronics businesses.
*This is not investment advice.