- The Focus: Mandatory integration of AI technologies (Generative AI, LLMs, etc.) into the game production pipeline.
- The Funding: Fixed grants of 50 million KRW for 6 selected projects (Total 300M KRW).
- The Target: Early-stage startups (under 3 years) and pre-founders looking to innovate.
- The Deadline: Applications close April 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM KST via the e-Naradoum portal.
The Jeonbuk Global Game Center (JBGC), operated by the Jeonbuk Contents Convergence Agency, has officially announced a specialized support program: the “2026 AI-Powered Indie Game Production Support Project.” Unlike traditional grants, this initiative specifically rewards developers who leverage artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in graphics, 3D assets, sound, or animation.
Innovation Over Tradition: No “Simple Board Games” Allowed
The most striking feature of the 2026 program is its strict technical requirement. To qualify, developers must prove that AI is being used as a core component of their development process.
- Technical Integration: Whether using ChatGPT for narrative, Midjourney for concept art, or specialized AI for 3D rigging, the application of AI must be substantial.
- Niche Focus: The center has explicitly excluded “simple board games” from eligibility, signaling a preference for technically ambitious indie titles that push the boundaries of modern development.
Strategic Relocation and Employment
While the program is open to developers nationwide, it serves as a powerful magnet for the Jeonbuk region:
- Relocation Mandate: Companies based outside of Jeonbuk can apply, but must relocate their headquarters to the province within two months of signing the agreement.
- Job Creation: Selected teams are required to hire at least one new full-time employee, further boosting the local gaming ecosystem.
- Launch-Ready Builds: By the end of the project (November 30, 2026), teams must submit a build ready for commercial service on platforms like Steam or Google Play.
Quick Specification: 2026 Jeonbuk AI Indie Support
| Category | Details |
| Organizer | Jeonbuk Global Game Center (JBGC) |
| Support Amount | 50M KRW per project (10% self-burden required) |
| Evaluation | 2-Stage (Document Review & Presentation) |
| Key Metric | Specificity and Strategy of AI Utilization (30 points) |
| Submission | e-Naradoum (gosims.go.kr) |
“We are looking for creators who don’t just use AI as a buzzword, but as a practical tool to overcome the limitations of small-scale development,” a JBGC representative stated.
For inquiries regarding the project, please contact the Cultural Contents Business Team at the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Content Convergence Promotion Agency (063-282-3762 / pys0267@jcon.or.kr ). The office is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (excluding lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM).
Overview of the 2026 AI-powered Indie Game Production Support Project
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Organizing body | Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Content Convergence Promotion Agency / Jeonbuk Global Game Center |
| Eligibility | Game startups and prospective entrepreneurs within 3 years of establishment (companies from within or outside the province are eligible) |
| Selection scale | 6 tasks |
| Total support budget | 300 million won |
| Funding per project | Up to 50 million won |
| Self-payment | Cash matching of at least 10% of the total project cost is mandatory. |
| New hires | At least one person is required for every 50 million won in subsidies |
| Execution period | Date of agreement signing ~ November 30, 2026 |
| Key conditions | Practical application of AI technology in game content production is essential |
| Application period | March 18, 2026 – April 7 (Tue) 3:00 PM |
| Application method | e-Naradoum Online Application (Offline and email applications not accepted) |
| Signing of the agreement | Scheduled for April 30, 2026 |
| Contact | 063-282-3762 / pys0267@jcon.or.kr |
| Notice | https://www.jcon.or.kr/board/view.php?nttId=4276&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000001&pageId=C000000016 |
