A glimpse of Sony's Web3 ambitions
Author: Mu Mu | Plain Language Blockchain
Throughout, many traditional institutional giants have tried to enter the encryption and Web3 fields by first cautiously purchasing some Bitcoin spot ETFs, and then publicly claiming that they have laid out in the encryption and web3 world. However, Sony did not directly choose Bitcoin according to this convention, but took a different path, establishing a subsidiary company to quietly lay out Web3 infrastructure and trading platforms.
If it is understandable to configure ETFs or directly hold BTC, after all, there is more speculation, but Sony chose to directly participate in the construction of Web3, setting a precedent. Perhaps the electronic giant Sony has long been seriously planning for the future of Web3, and has already figured out what they want…
01
Sony Blockchain - Soneium
Recently, Sony Group's Sony Block Solutions Labs developed the Ethereum Layer2 Soneium blockchain, announced the launch of the test network Minato, and launched the developer incubation program Soneium Spark. Like the Base blockchain, Soneium uses the OP Stack of the Optimism blockchain ecosystem. Sony positions it as a general-purpose blockchain platform aimed at evoking emotional resonance, empowering creativity, meeting diverse needs, and driving mainstream adoption.
Sony Block Solutions Labs, founded by Sony Group and Startale Labs, is headquartered in Singapore. Web3 company Startale Labs has received seed round investments from Sony Network, Samsung Next Ventures, and UVM Signum Blockchain Fund. In short, unlike many traditional institutions that only buy ETFs or hold shares to enter Web3, the Soneium project (initially named Sony Chain) is Sony Group's "own child" directly involved in Web3.
On September 1, the CEO of Startale Labs revealed on X that Soneium is committed to creating a platform for everyone to become creators, unrestricted by geography and profession. Currently, Soneium is developing multiple creative IP use cases aimed at driving projects into the mainstream market through community efforts. The platform will provide individuals and communities with opportunities for collaborative creation, with emotional resonance as the core, inspiring user creativity.
An official blog post from Soneium blockchain quoted Jun Watanabe, Chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, as saying, "We believe that developing comprehensive Web3 solutions based on blockchain technology is very important for the Sony Group, which has developed a variety of businesses as part of its goal of 'making the world full of emotions through the power of creativity and technology.' We will strive to create diverse businesses and new use cases aimed at providing customer value that can only be enjoyed through Web3 technology to as many users as possible, making people's lives more colorful."
Director Sota Watanabe stated, "We believe that the collaboration between Sony Group and Startale to launch an Ethereum Layer2 is a key moment for the entire industry. The Web3 industry has been making products for itself due to the lack of general user touchpoints and their feedback. The Sony Group has strong distribution channels in multiple industries and existing users in our daily lives. Through Soneium, we will create what people want and become mainstream beyond web3."
From the information disclosed by the official Soneium, Sony has identified that many basic infrastructures and applications in the current Web3 industry are only aimed at "insiders," which is also one of the main dilemmas of the Web3 industry and the encryption market. Sony's goal is to create a real application that addresses practical problems in Web3 infrastructure and tools, rather than just "token speculation," combining its own business and resource advantages to bring the benefits of Web3 to a broader audience of Web2 mainstream internet users.
It is reported that most of the features of the Soneium blockchain are similar to other Ethereum Layer2, EVM-compatible, high-speed, and users can use it without paying Gas fees. This can integrate into the larger Ethereum ecosystem while creating APIs and tools for developers to create intuitive and user-friendly applications familiar to mainstream users, thereby lowering the entry barrier for blockchain technology and creating an ecosystem that brings Web3 technology to everyday users.
In theory, Web3 infrastructure is usually launched by native encryption entrepreneurial teams, as native encryption teams better understand encrypted users, but Sony's entry has opened up a new situation. Currently, Sony Group, with a market value of over $100 billion, has businesses including electronic devices, gaming entertainment services, film and television, music, and finance, with its products and services and brand awareness spanning the globe. Sony is a leader in the gaming industry. According to Sony's latest financial report, as of the end of June 2024, the total sales of PS5 had exceeded 61.7 million units, and the monthly active users of the PlayStation gaming platform had increased from 108 million in the same period last year to 116 million.
Gaming is one of the most potential tracks for Web3 landing applications. Sony's gaming platform has a large number of users, creators, and developers. Compared to "self-made" native encryption entrepreneurial teams, Soneium's advantage backed by Sony is self-evident. With Sony's scale and brand appeal, it is fully capable of creating real use cases for its users in Web3, which is an absolute boon for the Web3 industry.
02
Sony Trading Platform S.BLOX Corporation and Super Token
In March 2024, Sony Group's S.BLOX Corporation officially announced the launch of its new cryptocurrency trading service. This plan marks Sony's further expansion in the Web3 field, aiming to provide more value to users through blockchain technology and cryptocurrency services.
S.BLOX Corporation is the new name for Amber Japan, which Sony acquired in 2023. Amber Japan was originally a subsidiary of the Japanese CEX DeCurret, which was acquired by the Singapore-based Amber Group in 2022. In August of last year, Sony's wholly-owned subsidiary, Quetta Web Ltd., took over the platform and decided to rebrand it as S.BLOX. This transformation not only involved a name change but also a comprehensive overhaul of the user interface and the launch of a more user-friendly mobile application.
Sony hopes to apply its experience and technology in the Web3 field to cryptocurrency trading through S.BLOX. The launch of S.BLOX will be closely integrated with Sony's other businesses, signaling the company's ambitions in the digital asset field.
It is worth mentioning that over the past year, Sony has also actively expanded its presence in the blockchain and cryptocurrency fields. Not long ago, Sony also applied for a patent for "super-fungible tokens." These tokens will allow players to use and exchange game assets in different games, potentially having a profound impact on the gaming industry.
In the gaming community, giving in-game items to players has become a popular trend, with games like "Fortnite" and "Minecraft" offering such functionality. The "super-fungible tokens" that Sony is developing will be used for exchanges in a similar manner. This patent, known as "super-fungible tokens," aims to accommodate a variety of non-fungible tokens associated with various types of game assets.
This patent from Sony demonstrates its innovative thinking in the interaction between game assets and digital currency, empowering its own gaming business with new growth opportunities through Web3 technology, while also providing more options for users and creators on its gaming platforms.
03
Conclusion
The electronics and technology industry is constantly evolving, and Sony, as a well-known brand with decades of resilience, derives its strong vitality from its precise positioning of product demand and continuous innovation, constantly adjusting its own business to avoid the fate of a sudden decline like Nokia or Kodak. And this time, it seems to have seen the potential of Web3 again…
A Layer2 and a trading platform are both indispensable infrastructure for Web3 and are the two biggest tracks. Sony's Web3 strategy is steadily advancing, and its precise positioning undoubtedly results from in-depth research and understanding of Web3 and the encryption field.
The traditional electronic giant Sony has created many world-renowned products in the past. Perhaps in the future, based on its unique understanding of the entertainment industry such as gaming and audiovisual, it will bring rich practical applications to Web3. At the same time, it will also use its strong brand appeal and extensive cooperation to create a competitive infrastructure ecosystem.
Original article link: https://www.hellobtc.com/kp/du/09/5398.html
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/DYcV7ViRNd2C5h_8_uV3Kg
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