- The Mission: To discover and spotlight outstanding achievements in the Korean indie game scene.
- The Eligibility: Domestic indie games released or serviced between January and December 2025 (includes Early Access and Demos).
- The Timeline: Submissions open from March 9 to April 9, 2026.
- The Event: Top 10 finalists will pitch live on May 21, 2026, followed by an awards ceremony and networking session.
The Korea Artificial Intelligence Game Association (KAIGA) has officially announced the call for entries for the ‘2026 IndiePlay Awards.’ This annual event aims to celebrate the ingenuity of South Korea’s independent developers, ranging from solo creators and students to small-to-medium-sized studios.
Spotlighting the Gems of 2025
The 2026 awards specifically target games that were released or in active service during the 2025 calendar year. Unlike many traditional awards that only accept finished products, the IndiePlay Awards welcome Early Access titles and playable demos, recognizing that the indie journey is often an iterative process.
Submission Requirements:
- Developer introduction.
- Game description/pitch document.
- Gameplay footage and screenshots.
- Deadline: April 9, 2026.
The Road to the Finals: Evaluation & Pitching
The selection process is designed to be rigorous yet community-focused, utilizing a 100-point scoring system:
- Phase 1 (Document Screening): The pool will be narrowed down to the Top 10 finalists.
- Phase 2 (Voting & Pitching): Finalists will undergo online and on-site voting, culminating in a live pitching session on May 21.
The offline event is more than just a competition; it serves as a vital networking hub where developers can exchange ideas and connect with industry veterans.
Prizes and Recognition
| Award Category | Prize Amount | Eligibility Note |
| Grand Prize (Chairman’s Award) | 700,000 KRW | Reserved for fully released titles only. |
| Excellence Award (2 Teams) | 400,000 KRW each | Open to all qualifying entries (including Demos). |
“We organized these awards to shine a light on the creative labor of indie developers and to provide a platform for genuine exchange within the community,” a KAIGA representative stated.
How to Apply
Interested developers can submit their applications via the official Google Form or find more details on the IndiePlay Community Cafe.
- Application Link: Apply Here (Google Forms)
- Official Post: IndiePlay Awards Announcement
- Inquiries: kigs@k-indiegame.or.kr (KAIGA Secretariat)
