Astar-Soneium Alliance: A Journey Toward Web3 Mainstream
Innovation Beyond Boundaries: Two Mainnets Shape the Future of Web3
This report, written by Tiger Research, analyzes Soneium and Astar Network's journey toward Web3 mainstream adoption and the synergy between the two networks.
TL;DR
Global entertainment giant Sony Group enters Web3 market with Ethereum L2 'Soneium'. Their vast IP and global user base positions them to lead Web3's mainstream adoption.
Astar Network stands out as Soneium's key partner. They bring years of mainnet operation expertise to help develop Soneium's ecosystem. With ASTR token serving as Soneium's core asset, both networks expect strong synergy.
Soneium attracted over 170 projects in just two weeks after launch. Projects like Web3 social platform Yay! and Web3 entertainment platform Yoake showcase seamless blockchain integration, showing Web3's potential for mass adoption.
1. Sony Group Ventures into a New Chapter
Sony Group entered Web3 in January 2025 with the launch of Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain network, through its subsidiary Sony Blockchain Solution Labs (Sony BSL). This launch has drawn industry attention given Sony's history of technological and cultural innovation.
Building public blockchain networks is uncommon among large corporations, mainly due to the challenges of Web3: regulatory uncertainty, unproven revenue models, and massive infrastructure costs. Major global companies are especially cautious given their heightened exposure to regulatory risks.
Sony pushes forward despite these challenges, driven by its innovative DNA. The company learned valuable lessons from its painful analog-to-digital transition. These experiences shaped Sony's bold approach to creating new growth engines. Now Sony applies this same innovative spirit to Web3.
Astar Network stands as the ideal partner for Sony Group's Web3 venture. Having built its technical expertise and know-how in the Polkadot ecosystem since 2019, Astar Network will accelerate Sony Group's Web3 vision. Notably, ASTR will serve as Soneium's core asset, strengthening both technical and ecosystem integration between the networks to accelerate Web3 mainstream adoption.
This report analyzes how Soneium and Astar Network could transform the Web3 industry. We examine the potential synergies between Sony Group and Astar Network, and their combined ability to drive Web3 adoption.
2. Soneium: Go Mainstream!
Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 mainnet built on OP Stack, is a collaboration between Sony Group and Startale through their joint venture Sony BSL. Startale brings blockchain expertise from operating Astar Network since 2019, while Sony contributes its global user base and vasp IP portfolio. This combination positions Soneium to accelerate mainstream Web3 adoption.
2.1. Soneium: A Core Strategic Pillar of Sony Group
Soneium represents more than a blockchain initiative - it's an extension of Sony Group's digital strategy that could connect its various business divisions. Given Sony's entertainment industry leadership, this integration could significantly impact Web3 adoption. Understanding Sony Group's strategic vision provides the necessary context for this potential.
Sony Group's 2025-2027 strategic plan with the vision "Beyond the Boundaries, Maximize Synergies Across the Group", announced in 2024, emphasizes cross-division collaboration to accelerate digital innovation and develop new revenue streams.
Soneium's blockchain network could serve as the foundation for connecting Sony Group's diverse assets into a unified digital ecosystem. This analysis explores both immediate and future opportunities for integration across the group's divisions.
2.1.1. Short-term Perspective: Strengthening Existing Web3 Business Integration
Sony Group's initial Soneium integration will likely build on its existing Web3 ventures: SNFT, an NFT marketplace launched in 2022, and S.BLOX, a cryptocurrency exchange acquired in 2023 when Sony Group subsidiary Queta Web acquired and rebranded WhaleFin.
S.BLOX could become a key gateway to the Soneium ecosystem by serving as an on/off ramp between traditional and Web3 assets. By integrating exchange-wallet functionality similar to Backpack's model, S.BLOX could provide users with more secure asset management than current Web3 wallets.
Several Sony Group subsidiaries are expanding Web3 projects through SNFT-Soneium:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) will offer exclusive content access through limited channels for customers who purchase eligible titles on Amazon Prime Video
Sony Music Entertainment France will distribute limited-edition NFTs to celebrate the second anniversary of 'Sunny B. 1991' music and Web3 community
Sony Music Publishing (Japan) will launch an NFT campaign linked to girl group 'SANDAL TELEPHONE' live events
These projects focus on enhancing fan engagement and digital content delivery through NFTs, exploring new ways to connect with audiences.
2.1.2. Long-term Perspective: Integration with Entertainment and Financial Industries
While Sony Group has not yet announced specific Web3 initiatives for Soneium beyond those mentioned, the potential long-term opportunities warrant a closer look.
Entertainment makes up 60% of Sony Group's revenue, with the company controlling both production and distribution. While this concentrated focus carries risks, Web3 technology could offer new paths for growth and innovation.
Early signs support this potential for innovation. Sony Interactive Entertainment's blockchain patents, particularly for in-game NFTs, suggest potential Web3 integration with the PlayStation ecosystem. This could include features like NFT-based gaming assets and cryptocurrency payment options.
Sony Music and Sony Pictures could leverage their extensive intellectual property through Web3 technology. Sony Music has already tested NFTs based on artist IPs and is exploring broader Web3 applications for music licensing. With its diverse content portfolio - spanning music, animation, and gaming - Sony could develop new revenue streams through Web3 integration.
Despite its spinoff, Sony Financial Group maintains close ties with Sony Group and shares its interest in Web3 technology, suggesting possible future collaborations.
Sony Bank is pioneering blockchain adoption in banking: it partners with SNFT on CONNECT, a user-friendly NFT management app; pilots stablecoin initiatives; and became Japan's first bank to offer loan assets as security tokens (STO).
Soneium could connect Sony's businesses by enabling new digital services. For example, PlayStation users could make purchases using stablecoins developed by Sony Financial Group, or fans could buy and trade tokenized entertainment IP assets. These practical applications would bring Web3 technology into everyday services, supporting Sony Group's strategic goals.
2.2. Key Ecosystem Cases in Soneium
Soneium aims to make an inclusive Web3 ecosystem beyond Sony Group by focusing on consumer-friendly applications. Users can access blockchain services through familiar apps, without needing to understand the underlying technology. This strategy has already attracted over 170 projects since launch, with the majority being consumer applications. The next section highlights key apps in the Soneium ecosystem.
2.2.1. Yay!: A SocialFi Platform Bringing Web3 to Web2 Communities and Adding Rewards to Daily Life
Yay!, a popular Japanese community platform with over 10m users since 2020, hosts more than 100k active communities. The platform demonstrates how Web3 can enhance social media without disrupting familiar user experiences. Members earn rewards for community participation while the platform handles all blockchain interactions behind the scenes.
On Yay!, users earn $EMPL tokens for their community contributions. These tokens can be used within the platform to buy items and send gifts, or converted to $YAY tokens for withdrawal as cash. This system lets users benefit from participating in the token economy without dealing with complicated crypto transactions.
Yay! serves both traditional Web2 and Web3 users effectively: regular users earn points they can spend in-app, while crypto-savvy users can move these assets on-chain for DeFi activities like staking and providing liquidity. The platform's appeal to Web3 users is clear - its staking campaign with Ethereum and ASTR attracted 20 million in participation. By creating value for both user groups, Yay! successfully bridges Web2 and Web3.
2.2.2. Yoake: Innovating Fan Culture Through Blockchain
Yoake, a blockchain-based platform for entertainment fans, was developed by renowned Japanese producer Yasushi Akimoto in partnership with Startale. Akimoto brings his experience from creating AKB48, which pioneered fan voting systems in idol groups. The platform's innovative approach earned it the entertainment category award in the Soneium Spark incubation program.
Yoake uses blockchain technology to address common challenges in fan communities: vote manipulation and unclear royalty payments. The platform records all votes on Soneium's blockchain, creating a transparent and verifiable system. Fans can vote using their social media accounts without setting up crypto wallets, while the platform handles all blockchain recording automatically. This system supports various fan activities, from choosing setlists for idol group performances to voting in fashion contests.
Yoake exemplifies Soneium's approach to blockchain adoption: solving existing problems rather than showcasing technology. As Sony BSL Director Sota Watanabe explains, this 'Market Pull' strategy prioritizes addressing real needs over finding uses for pre-built solutions ('Technology Push'). Yoake applies this principle by focusing on improving fan community fairness and transparency, with blockchain serving as the underlying solution.
Yoake will launch YOAKE tokens on Soneium to reward active fans and measure community engagement. This model could demonstrate how blockchain can enhance conventional services in the entertainment industry.
3. Why Soneium Chose OP Stack: Solid Infrastructure and Scalability
Soneium built on Optimism's OP Stack as an Ethereum Layer 2 solution rather than creating its own blockchain from scratch. This decision acknowledges the challenges of developing a new Layer 1: establishing network security and building an ecosystem require substantial resources and time. By leveraging Optimism's established infrastructure, Soneium can prioritize developing user-focused services and driving adoption.
As an Ethereum Layer 2, Soneium benefits from the leading blockchain's core advantages: EVM compatibility with existing Ethereum tools such as wallets and smart contracts, proven security for protecting Sony's intellectual property, and access to a large community of developers.
Soneium aims to scale efficiently using OP Stack technology, which allows it to join Optimism's Superchain network. This connection enables Soneium to interact with other OP Stack-based chains like Base, World Chain, and Unichain, expanding its reach and capabilities. The planned Optimism Interop Protocol will enhance these connections by enabling direct interchain communication without going through Ethereum's mainnet.
By building on Ethereum's security and Optimism's scaling technology, Soneium has created a foundation for rapid growth. This pragmatic approach shows how Soneium aims to speed up Web3 adoption by leveraging existing solutions rather than starting from scratch.
4. One Vision, Two Networks: The Ensemble of Soneium and Astar
Astar Network, operated by Startale, is expected to collaborate closely with Soneium. While Astar Network is built on Polkadot and Soneium on Ethereum, these different blockchain architectures could create complementary strengths and maximize synergies.
Examining Astar Network's strengths and features can help assess Soneium's potential, particularly how these two networks might work together. The following analysis explores their possible collaboration.
4.1. Combining Different Ecosystems: Evolving into a Collective Ecosystem for Mainstream Adoption
While operating independently, Astar Network and Soneium can develop complementary strengths. Astar Network supports Soneium's early growth by providing initial liquidity and ecosystem resources, while Soneium's position as an OP Stack-based Layer 2 could help Astar Network extend its reach from Polkadot into the Ethereum ecosystem.
Astar Network's dual support for WebAssembly (WASM) and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) positions it to connect Polkadot and Ethereum ecosystems. Collaborating with Soneium could accelerate this cross-chain expansion.
Astar Network's years of ecosystem management experience could benefit Soneium's development. Astar effectively manages ecosystem liquidity through large-scale token burns and dApp Staking V3, offering better incentives for users and dApp projects. Despite a 7% base inflation cap, these measures help maintain stable token levels through ongoing improvements.
Astar Network launched on-chain governance in December 2024, shifting to community-led decision-making. Since then, its community forum has actively shaped ecosystem development. These proven governance practices could serve as important references for Soneium's ecosystem development.
Astar Network and Soneium share a broader vision beyond technical integration: bringing Web3 to mainstream users. Astar Network's 'Evolution Phase 1.5' will formally connect the networks, creating a shared ecosystem. Using Chainlink's CCIP and LayerZero technologies enables seamless communication between chains, helping build a more sustainable and scalable Web3 ecosystem.
4.2. ASTR: Astar Network's Strategic Positioning for Mutual Growth
4.2.1. Securing Initial Foundation Through ASTR Token
Soneium is leveraging Astar Network's ASTR token to jumpstart its ecosystem, addressing the initial growth challenge most new networks face.
ASTR's established presence on major exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Upbit gives Soneium access to ready liquidity. By using Astar Network's proven token instead of launching its own, Soneium can build its ecosystem more efficiently than networks like BASE that require separate token listings or issuance. This approach also reduces regulatory complications while making it easier to attract existing crypto users.
ASTR serves as the core asset in Soneium's ecosystem, with the planned addition of multiple key functions: facilitating DeFi transactions, enabling payments in consumer apps, and backing stablecoin issuance. This central role positions ASTR to capture Soneium's ecosystem value, which could directly benefit Astar Network. ASTR's importance in the Soneium ecosystem is already clear - it represents 57% of Soneium's Total Value Secured (TVS) as of February 1.
Astar Network plans to expand ASTR's role across the Optimism Superchain, building on its position as Soneium's core asset. ASTR has already adopted the Superchain asset standard (ERC-7802, SuperchainERC20), enabling seamless movement between networks. This standardization could help ASTR become a significant asset throughout the Superchain ecosystem. If successful, ASTR could serve as a bridge between Soneium and the broader ecosystem, strengthening both networks.
4.2.2. Ecosystem Boosting Strategy for Astar and Soneium
Astar Network is running incentive campaigns with Soneium to grow their shared ecosystem. Through the Astar Surge campaign, ASTR holders can earn rewards by depositing tokens in designated smart contracts, helping provide initial liquidity for Soneium's launch. The campaign has already directed 1.68 million in liquidity to key projects like Sake Finance and Yay!.
Astar Network also plans to launch the Astar Contribution Score (ACS) program with 100 million ASTR tokens, rewarding user activity across Soneium's DeFi protocols, games, and consumer apps. Rather than just distributing tokens, ACS aims to encourage sustained ecosystem participation and growth.
The use of Astar Network's treasury to support Soneium's growth represents a strategic investment: it positions ASTR as a key cross-chain asset in the Superchain ecosystem while expanding its presence in the Ethereum ecosystem. As Sony Group develops mainstream Web3 applications, ASTR could gain real-world use cases, driving adoption for both networks.
4.2.3. Fast Finality Layer Using Astar Network
As a Layer 2 rollup, Soneium faces two time constraints when submitting transactions to Ethereum mainnet: transactions take about 13 minutes for hard confirmation on Soneium’s OP Stack, and L1 withdrawals require a 7-day waiting period due to optimistic rollup characteristics.
Soneium will use AltLayer's MACH protocol to address these processing delays. MACH is an Actively Validated Service (AVS) that uses EigenLayer's restaking mechanism for security and enhanced cross-chain messaging. This upgrade will particularly benefit gaming and financial services that require rapid transactions.
MACH implementation will create new uses for ASTR by making it a network contribution asset alongside restaked ETH. This gives token holders additional ways to participate and earn rewards. The expanded utility could strengthen both network liquidity and ecosystem engagement.
4.3. Technology and Vision Convergence: Possibility of a New Unified Network
The Astar Network-Soneium partnership could grow stronger over time, building on their complementary technologies: Astar Network runs on Polkadot with dual EVM-WASM support, while Soneium operates as an Ethereum Layer 2. Together, they can scale across both Ethereum and Polkadot ecosystems.
The recent Klaytn-Finschia merger demonstrates how two blockchain networks can unite, offering a potential model for Soneium and Astar Network. While closer integration could bridge Ethereum and Polkadot ecosystems, such a development needs careful long-term planning. The networks are building toward this possibility through current collaborations that leverage their distinct strengths.
5. Soneium's Challenge: Balancing IP Protection and Network Censorship
IP rights violations remain a persistent challenge in Web3, as shown by recent controversies: NEIRO faced disputes over ownership rights, while CHILLGUY drew criticism for unauthorized IP use. These incidents have damaged both investor confidence and industry credibility.
Soneium introduces a 'Sandbox' concept to balance openness and protection while building its creator-focused fan community ecosystem. Mass adoption of Web3 technology requires both creative freedom for creators and basic safeguards for IP protection.
Soneium uses a phased security approach: during the Warning Period, it reviews suspicious contracts and projects, adding them to a Restricted List if needed. Rather than completely blocking access, the system allows transactions through Ethereum Layer 1. As Vitalik Buterin described, this works like a "large speed bump" - deterring malicious activity while preserving network accessibility. Projects can regain full access once they resolve their issues.
This approach balances creator rights protection with Web3's core values of openness and innovation. By implementing managed oversight rather than strict censorship, Soneium aims to align IP protection with blockchain decentralization - a potential model for mainstream Web3 adoption.
6. Closing Thoughts
Soneium's launch represents more than another blockchain platform - it marks a major company's commitment to expanding Web3 beyond its current reach of less than 7% of the global population. For Sony, this initiative extends beyond technical experimentation to tackling the fundamental challenge of mainstream adoption.
The timing echoes Sony's past transformations. While Sony revolutionized personal music with the Walkman, it initially struggled to adapt to digital technology. The company later found success by connecting entertainment with technology - a strategy that Web3 could now extend into a new era.
Soneium goes beyond typical blockchain initiatives by combining Sony Group's hardware expertise with Startale's blockchain experience. This partnership between an established corporation and Startale’s balances corporate resources with startup flexibility, aiming to create a more practical Web3 ecosystem.
Japan offers Soneium strategic advantages as a starting point: relatively supportive policies for crypto and Web3 industries, plus an environment that encourages global corporate partnerships. These factors provide a stable foundation for Soneium's development and international growth.
Yet Sony's Web3 venture faces significant hurdles in technology, regulation, and user experience. The key to success will be how effectively Sony converts these challenges into opportunities for innovation.
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This report was partially funded by Startale. It was independently produced by our researchers using credible sources. The findings, recommendations, and opinions are based on information available at publication time and may change without notice. We disclaim liability for any losses from using this report or its contents and do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. The information may differ from others' views. This report is for informational purposes only and is not legal, business, investment, or tax advice. References to securities or digital assets are for illustration only, not investment advice or offers. This material is not intended for investors.
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