Sony’s blockchain division has revealed its ambitious plan of leveraging the power of blockchain technology to bring LINE, a popular social media platform based in Japan, into the web3 world. The announcement, made on Wednesday, outlines Sony’s strategy to transition several successful mini-apps onto its Soeneium network, a move designed to enhance user experience and facilitate in-game rewards and purchases.
LINE enjoys a robust user base, boasting approximately 200 million active users on its platform. The new partnership envisages the integration of four LINE-based games, or “mini-apps,” onto the Soeneium network. These include fan favourites Sleepagotchi, Farm Frens, Puffy Match, and Pocket Mob.
The Soeneium network is primarily overseen by Sony Block Solutions Labs (SBSL), the result of a joint venture between multinational conglomerate Sony and Singapore-based Startale Labs. The objective of this partnership is to “transcend boundaries, allowing users to experience the benefits of web3 without friction,” as per the statement shared with CoinDesk.
Jun Watanabe, chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, hailed this integration as a significant step in heightening the accessibility of the Soneium ecosystem. He expressed optimism about the potential impact of the collaboration, stating, “We believe this collaboration will drive engagement and adoption in ways that were previously difficult to achieve.”
The Soneium network first went live in January. At that time, the Sony team expressed their aspiration to serve as a bridge that could smoothly transition web2 users into the web3 space. The Soneium blockchain operates as a layer-2 network on top of Ethereum and employs Optimism’s OP Stack technology. According to data from L2 Beat, it currently holds the 15th position among the largest layer-2 networks based on total value locked.
The move represents yet another significant stride in the adoption of blockchain technology across various sectors. It underscores the potential of blockchain to revolutionize the digital experience by offering a secure, decentralized platform that enhances user engagement and interaction. The partnership between Sony and LINE is a clear indicator of the growing influence of web3 applications in the world of social media and gaming.
This collaboration is expected to set a precedent for other tech giants to follow suit, fostering a more secure, efficient, and user-centric digital future.
