From PlayStation to crypto: Why Sony is building its own blockchain

​Sony is best known for PlayStation, films, and music, but its interests now extend into cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The Japanese giant is building a blockchain ecosystem aimed at reshaping how digital content is created, financed, and sold. What is driving this strategy, and how far has Sony already ventured into crypto?

A new push to bring entertainment onchain

Sony announced a global incubation program on October 29 to support startups and creators developing blockchain-based entertainment products. The Sony Onchain Entertainment Incubation Program will offer technical resources, business development and marketing assistance, and opportunities to collaborate with Sony Group companies. It follows two earlier initiatives that have supported 43 projects since 2024, but places greater emphasis on turning experimental ideas into commercial services.

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The program centers on Soneium, a public blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Singapore-based Startale Group. Launched in January 2025, it operates as an Ethereum layer-2 network, offering lower transaction costs and compatibility with Ethereum applications. The network is open to outside developers, who could also benefit from Sony's extensive connections across gaming, music, and film.

Why build a blockchain instead of using an existing one?

Developing its own network gives Sony a more direct role in shaping the technology behind future entertainment services. Rather than depending entirely on third-party platforms, the company can help establish infrastructure for digital ownership, licensing, payments, and interactions between creators and audiences. Soneium is still connected to Ethereum, allowing developers to use established blockchain tools rather than build everything from scratch.

The challenge is making blockchain services accessible to ordinary consumers. In an interview published on Sony's website, Magdalena Wasowska, a Sony distinguished engineer involved in Soneium's development, explained the company's approach: “But blockchain must evolve beyond being a buzzword or a visible layer. Just like cloud computing, it should operate quietly behind the scenes, powering systems to make them feel simple and intuitive to use.”

From digital collectibles to tokenized intellectual property

One of Soneium's most ambitious plans involves tokenizing intellectual property, or IP. On October 26, the network outlined a strategy for bringing entertainment rights and related economic activities onto the blockchain. It includes tokens associated with creators, characters, and entertainment properties, potentially allowing fans to support projects while opening new financing opportunities for rights holders.

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An early example involves Moriusa, a character owned by Japanese entertainment company Super State Holdings. Soneium plans to introduce an IP token connected to the character, supporting activities involving merchandise, animation, and licensing. The network is also developing tools to record licensing terms and relationships between original and derivative works, which could become increasingly useful as AI-generated content complicates copyright management.

The strategy extends beyond collectibles. Soneium has introduced IP Vault, offering eligible users exposure to a Partners Group-managed royalties fund with underlying assets valued at $549 million. Its underlying assets include music and television royalties, while a dollar-denominated stablecoin called ipUSD provides a way to access the product. Unlike conventional fan tokens, these arrangements involve financial products whose returns and risks depend on the underlying assets and legal terms.

Crypto trading and NFTs beyond Soneium

Sony's involvement in cryptocurrencies extends beyond its blockchain network. In 2023, a subsidiary acquired a Japanese crypto trading business that later became S.BLOX. The company subsequently revamped its WhaleFin exchange service, allowing customers in Japan to trade digital assets.

Sony also operates SNFT, a business developing tools for NFT issuance, digital collectibles, and fan engagement. These activities give the group a presence in both cryptocurrency trading and the technology used to create and distribute digital assets, complementing its broader entertainment business.

Stablecoin plans and a potential Soneium token

Sony's financial services business is exploring blockchain-based payments. In July 2026, Sony Bank received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish Connectia Trust, a proposed national trust bank subsidiary with $40 million in initial capital. The entity plans to issue a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, subject to further regulatory requirements. Sony Bank has also explored using stablecoins for purchases involving games, anime, and subscriptions, although the proposed coin has not launched.

Separately, Soneium announced plans on October 26 for a native SONEIUM token intended to connect creators, developers, intellectual property owners, and other participants. The token has not yet been issued, and its specific functions remain unclear. More than 250 applications have been developed across gaming, music, anime, and other categories, creating potential uses for a native token. However, its usefulness will depend on whether developers integrate it into services that attract regular users.

Sony is also committing capital to the ecosystem. In January 2026, Sony Ventures invested $13 million in Startale Group, strengthening the partnership behind Soneium's development. The investment could help developers bring new blockchain-based entertainment products to market.

Can blockchain become part of everyday entertainment?

The key question is whether blockchain can improve services that already exist without it. Digital collectibles, fan memberships, and licensing arrangements are nothing new. To justify its use, blockchain must offer tangible advantages over existing solutions.

Significant challenges remain. Crypto wallets, transaction fees, and security risks can complicate digital purchases, while tokenized entertainment assets raise concerns about speculation, copyright, and investor protection. Owning a token linked to a character, for example, does not automatically grant copyright or a share of licensing revenue.

Sony has the entertainment businesses and audiences to bring blockchain applications to mainstream consumers, but their commercial appeal remains unproven. Its latest incubation program could help determine whether developers can create products that offer practical benefits beyond existing digital services.