- The Mission: Discovering early-stage indie talent and fostering a “Pay it Forward” culture.
- The Reward: 10 million KRW total prize pool and 1:1 mentoring for all applicants.
- The Legacy: Prize money donated by successful alumni like Cassel Games and Lizard Smoothie.
- Deadline: Applications close on April 12, 2026.
Smilegate Future Lab has officially launched recruitment for the 5th annual ‘IndieGo’ (Indie Game Creation Contest). More than just a competition, IndieGo is a cornerstone of the Korean indie ecosystem, defined by its unique philosophy where senior developers provide the financial and intellectual fuel for the next generation of creators.
A Contest Built on “Sincerity” and “Succession”
The most distinctive feature of IndieGo is its prize fund. The 10 million KRW pool was voluntarily raised by alumni of the Smilegate Membership (SGM) program—developers who were once in the applicants’ shoes. This year, notable studios like Cassel Games (SGM 11th), Indigo Blue (SGM 11th), and Lizard Smoothie (SGM 16th) contributed to the fund, lending their names to the awards (e.g., the “Cassel Games Award”).
Perks for Every Participant
Unlike many contests that only reward winners, IndieGo prioritizes growth for the entire community:
- Guaranteed Mentoring: Every single team that applies will receive 1:1 professional mentoring from industry veterans.
- Community Networking: All participants are invited to “Meetup” events to exchange ideas and form bonds within the indie scene.
- Fast-Track to SGM: Winning teams earn a direct opportunity to join the 18th batch of SGM, Smilegate’s premier indie incubation program.
How to Apply
The contest is open to any team developing a PC or mobile-based indie game that has not yet signed a publishing contract.
- Requirements: An executable prototype (PC exe or Android APK), a 1-minute intro video, and a game proposal.
- Exclusions: Games requiring VR headsets or other specialized hardware, as well as previous IndieGo or SGM winners.
- Submission Portal: Applications are accepted online through the IndieLog website.
Quick Specification: 2026 IndieGo
| Category | Details |
| Host | Smilegate Future Lab |
| Selection Size | 7 Teams Total |
| Total Prize | 10M KRW |
| Judging Criteria | Fun and Originality |
| IP Ownership | Remains with the Creators |
“IndieGo is a festival where creators push and pull each other toward growth,” said Oh Sook-hyun, Head of Smilegate Future Lab. “We hope this support from senior developers acts as a springboard for new teams to show their unique visions to the world.”
