Sony's Soneium: A Strategic Bet on Web3-Driven Fan Engagement in Asia

Soneium, launched in January 2025 as a Layer-2 solution built on Ethereum's OP Stack, offers high throughput and low transaction costs while inheriting Ethereum's security features according to its official blog. This architecture enables seamless integration with existing platforms, a critical factor for mainstream adoption. By September 2025, Soneium had processed over 295 million transactions and supported 62 decentralized applications (dApps), spanning gaming, NFTs, DeFi, and social platforms. The network's Total Value Locked (TVL) surpassed $80 million in early 2025, with decentralized exchanges like Kyo Finance and Velodrome driving liquidity.

Real-World Use Cases in Asia's Entertainment Ecosystem

Soneium's success is anchored in its ability to create tangible value for fans and creators. A standout example is its partnership with Idol Runway Collection (IRC), a major Japanese idol and fashion festival. Through the IRC APP, fans earn "IRC Scores" based on on-chain contributions, such as social media activity, which determine membership tiers and real-world benefits like early ticket access and event decision-making influence according to reports. This AI-powered IPFi (Intellectual Property Finance) infrastructure transforms passive fandom into active, measurable participation.

Beyond entertainment, Soneium has partnered with Plume, a blockchain focused on Real World Asset Finance (RWAfi), to offer asset-backed yield products like tokenized U.S. Treasuries and private credit via the SkyLink interoperability layer according to industry reports. This collaboration bridges blockchain and traditional finance, attracting institutional and retail users seeking diversified returns.

Strategic Partnerships and Developer Ecosystem

Soneium's growth is further fueled by strategic alliances and a robust developer ecosystem. The Soneium For All program, supported by partners like Astar Network and Startale Cloud Services, offers funding, technical resources, and marketing support to dApp developers. The initiative aims to attract 100 live dApps and 7 million active wallets, emphasizing gamified experiences and on-chain community-building according to official documentation.

Contrasting Success with Failed Models: The Momentrica Case

Soneium's interactive, utility-driven approach contrasts sharply with the failure of Momentrica, an NFT platform co-launched by Dunamu and HYBE. Momentrica shut down in July 2025 after incurring an $8.88 million loss, attributed to its static NFTs, lacking meaningful engagement mechanisms. Unlike Momentrica, Soneium prioritizes participatory models-such as tripleS's token-based voting systems, where fans influence unit composition and song selection according to industry analysis. This distinction underscores the importance of dynamic, value-driven Web3 ecosystems in retaining user interest.

TVL Growth and Market Position

While Soneium's TVL of $80 million as of early 2025 lags behind major Layer-2s like Arbitrum and Base, its enterprise-focused strategy and regulatory alignment position it for sustained growth. By Q1 2025, Soneium had secured $130 million in Total Value Secured (TVS) and attracted 5.1 million addresses. Strategic partnerships with global entertainment leaders like Sony and SBI further reinforce its market position according to market reports.

Conclusion: Capturing the $100B+ Fan Economy

Sony's Soneium represents a bold, forward-thinking investment in the future of entertainment. By democratizing Web3 participation through gasless transactions, AI-driven IPFi, and gamified engagement, Soneium is not only capturing the imagination of Asian fans but also redefining how value is created and shared in the digital age. As the fan economy evolves, Sony's ability to blend blockchain innovation with its legacy in entertainment cements its role as a trailblazer in the Web3 era.