Sony’s Soneium Blockchain Redefines Web3 Engagement

Sony’s blockchain initiative, Soneium, has introduced a new scoring system designed to transform how user participation within decentralized ecosystems is measured and rewarded. The mechanism, known as the Soneium Score, employs advanced algorithms to evaluate verifiable on-chain activities, offering a more comprehensive framework for community engagement compared to traditional token-based reward models.

The scoring system was built with the aim of addressing two long-standing challenges in the Web3 landscape: the lack of consistent user evaluation methods and the difficulty of sustaining community participation over time. By moving beyond transaction counts and speculative trading, the framework provides a multidimensional view of ecosystem involvement.

Comprehensive activity tracking

The system calculates user contributions across several blockchain activities, including asset swaps, staking, non-fungible token (NFT) transactions, and liquidity provision on decentralized exchanges. It also monitors activity consistency, evaluates liquidity commitments, recognizes NFT holdings, and integrates bonuses from partner projects. Through this model, the platform aims to ensure that user rewards are tied directly to meaningful engagement rather than superficial activity.

Sony Block Solutions Labs (SBSL), the development arm behind the initiative, built Soneium as an Ethereum Layer 2 network. Extensive trials took place before the January 2025 mainnet launch, during which more than 14 million wallets engaged with the network. The testing phase demonstrated significant interest and scalability potential, providing a solid foundation for the network’s broader rollout.

Strengthening through DeFi partnerships

To bolster credibility and ensure widespread adoption, Soneium has established partnerships with leading decentralized finance protocols, including Uniswap and AAVE. These collaborations are intended to reduce adoption barriers for developers while expanding the network’s integration with established decentralized applications. The alliances also serve to enhance the utility of the scoring system by embedding it into the broader DeFi ecosystem.

The first rollout phase, referred to as Season One, is expected to introduce the scoring model across a diverse range of decentralized finance, gaming, and NFT projects. As part of this deployment, the system issues non-transferable Soulbound Token (SBT) badges to users. These badges act as proof of participation and contribution levels, reinforcing accountability and preventing speculative transfers.

A shift in Web3 engagement strategy

The launch of the Soneium Score represents a strategic shift in how blockchain ecosystems measure value creation. Instead of focusing solely on speculative trading or token holdings, the approach emphasizes consistent, authentic contributions that support network stability and growth.

By rewarding real activity and integrating with leading decentralized platforms, Sony’s blockchain venture is positioning itself as a driver of long-term ecosystem engagement. The introduction of SBT badges, coupled with partnerships across multiple sectors, suggests that the framework is not just experimental but built to scale.

With the backing of Sony Group and Startale Labs, and having already attracted millions of wallet participants before launch, Soneium appears poised to set a benchmark for how blockchain networks recognize and incentivize authentic user behavior.