Sonic SVM Depth Research: Solana Expansion Solution Designed for Web3 Games

1. Project Overview

Sonic SVM is the first SVM (Solana Virtual Machine) Layer 2 network expansion project on the Solana blockchain, dedicated to providing optimization for gaming and high-frequency interactive applications. The project aims to expand the Solana infrastructure through the HyperGrid architecture, offering game developers a high-performance, low-cost blockchain environment to support large-scale online games and applications, meeting the growing demands of Web3 users.

Project Development History

• 2023: Core team formation, technical research and development initiated, focusing on Sonic HyperGrid framework design.
• March 2024: White paper released, detailing the Sonic SVM architecture and mechanisms.
• June 2024: Completed a $12 million financing round, led by Bitkraft.
• June 2024: Testnet launched, accumulating over 100,000 wallet addresses within a week.
• January 2025: $SONIC token generation, listed on multiple well-known trading platforms

Core Team

• Chris Zhu (CEO): Graduated from NYU Stern School of Business, previously worked at ByteDance and rct AI.
• Jialin Zhu (Chief Product Officer): Graduate of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, formerly worked at rct AI
• Jonathan Bakebwa (CTO): Graduated from Beijing Institute of Technology, formerly founded Xtellar Works.
• Yutong Li (Finance/Legal/Human Resources Director): Graduated from the University of New South Wales, has interned at several consulting and internet companies.
• Arif Kazi (Business Executive): Graduated from BSE Institute Ltd, has worked in several Web3 companies.

2. Business Model

Technical Logic

Sonic SVM is based on HyperGrid technology, constructing a multi-grid architecture to achieve distributed operation of games and DApps. HyperGrid is a parallel processing framework that enhances Solana infrastructure, supports high customization and scalability, while maintaining native composability with Solana.

Staking and Validator Network

Validators need to stake $SOL to participate in the network, taking on responsibilities such as transaction ordering, Slots proposals, execution verification, and state submission. The collective staking pool provides underlying security for the HyperGrid system.

Incentive Model

Validators receive HyperGrid tokens as a service reward. Users participate by purchasing SONIC tokens, converting them to $veSonic, and staking them with validators to share rewards. The system also has observation nodes responsible for verifying transaction accuracy.

Token Economics

The total supply of $SONIC is 2.4 billion tokens, with an initial circulation of 15%. The distribution is as follows:

• Community: 57% (30% for ecosystem and community development, 7% for initial claim, 20% for HyperGrid rewards)
• Early Supporters: 8%
• Investor: 15%
• Foundation: 20%

The uses of tokens include payment tools, staking and rewards, governance voting, and incentive mechanisms.

3. Project Outlook

Industry Analysis

The global blockchain gaming market is expected to reach $30 billion by 2025, with a 50% annual growth rate for Web3 gaming users. Sonic SVM is expected to occupy an important position in the market due to its high performance and low latency characteristics.

Ecological Construction

Collaborated with game studios to develop AAA titles, with over 100,000 downloads in the early stages of the first game's launch. Partnered with social platforms like TikTok to drive traffic, with a cumulative participation of over 5 million in the creative challenge. Established an active community governance mechanism and regularly held AMA events.

Development Plan

• Phase 1 (Q4 2024 to Q1 2025): Launch HyperGrid network and Sonic SVM, complete $SONIC token generation.
• Phase 2 (Q1 2025): Launch of the mainnet Alpha version, introduction of mobile applications and token bridges.
• Phase Three (Q2 2025): Integrate the new SVM into the HyperGrid Op-Rollup stack, launch Grid v2, and introduce staking and reward programs.

Competitor

Main competitors include Immutable X and WAX. Sonic SVM relies on Solana's high TPS to provide a more efficient and cost-effective interactive experience, and it has a broader potential user base through collaboration with mainstream social platforms.

Investment Potential

Sonic SVM shows strong development momentum, but will face a large number of token unlocks after 12 months. The key to the project's development lies in whether it can successfully achieve large-scale breakout. It is recommended that investors consider carefully and allocate appropriately based on their risk preferences.

4. Conclusion

Sonic SVM, as a new Layer 2 solution in the Solana ecosystem, provides a high-performance, low-cost environment for gaming and high-frequency applications. Its collaboration with TikTok and market performance demonstrate strong appeal. With the expansion of the ecosystem and technological optimizations, Sonic SVM is expected to achieve greater breakthroughs in the Web3 field, promoting large-scale adoption of Web3 gaming.