Recruitment Open for the 2025 Indie Game Support Program Until February 20
- 35 billion KRW budget allocated for growth companies, startups (corporate & individual), and pre-startups
- Collaboration with leading game companies such as Neowiz, Smilegate, and Pearl Abyss to foster the indie game ecosystem
- Enhanced benefits including development funding, mentoring, seminars, showcases, and incentives
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Yoo In-chon) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA, Acting President Yoo Hyun-seok) have announced that applications for the 2025 Indie Game Support Program will be open until February 20 for indie game companies and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Renamed from the Game Planning Support Program, the Indie Game Support Program aims to foster diversity in Korea’s game industry by providing comprehensive support for indie game development, consulting, exhibition participation, networking, and more.
The program consists of four categories:
- Pre-Startup
- Startup – Corporate
- Startup – Individual
- Growth Companies (newly introduced this year)
A total of 53 projects will be selected, with an overall budget of 35 billion KRW.
Building an Indie Game Ecosystem Through Public-Private Collaboration
This year’s Indie Game Support Program will be jointly operated with leading game companies, including Neowiz, Smilegate Megaport, and Pearl Abyss, under the “Indie Game Support System Establishment Agreement” signed with KOCCA in December 2023.
KOCCA and these industry leaders will collaborate on:
- Establishing partnerships with indie game developers
- Planning and operating indie game support programs
These efforts aim to discover promising Korean indie games and create a sustainable indie game ecosystem.
Tailored Support Across Four Growth Stages & Performance-Based Incentives
To provide more customized support, the 2025 program introduces an expanded support structure:
- Startup – Corporate
- Startup – Individual
- Pre-Startup
- Growth Companies (for indie game studios operating between 3 to 7 years)
This ensures a more inclusive and structured support system.
Expanded Benefits for Selected Companies
Selected participants will receive:
- Development funding
- Mentoring programs
- Domestic & international exhibition participation
- Showcase opportunities
Additionally, new benefits include:
- Indie developer partnerships with leading game companies
- Joint seminars with major industry players
- A commercialization-focused program led by game industry leaders to accelerate global market entry
To further support high-potential indie game studios, KOCCA will introduce an incentive system, providing additional funding for outstanding projects based on mid-term performance evaluations.
Offline Information Session on February 14
KOCCA will host an offline information session on February 14 at the CKL Enterprise Support Center (11th floor, Gwanghwamun). The session will cover:
- The Indie Game Support Program
- Game Content Development Support Programs
- Q&A session for on-site inquiries
How to Apply
For more details and application guidelines, visit:
- KOCCA Official Website (www.kocca.kr)
Applications must be submitted through e-Naradoum by February 20, following the specific requirements for each category.
Expert Insights & Recommendations for Applicants
Professor Jung Musik of Gachon University’s Game & Visual Arts Department, a former KOCCA advisor, offered the following advice for indie developers:
“While industry events like this usually attract large audiences, the recent downturn in the industry has heightened interest. Given the expected turnout for the February 14 session, indie developers looking to assess the atmosphere should consider arriving early.”
“The funding amounts for game development support and competitions differ significantly. The Startup (within 3 years) category offers up to 180 million KRW per project, with 10 projects selected. Indie developers with stable genre-based games should consider applying.”
“For solo indie developers or pre-startups, applying for the game competition format (which selects 40 projects) may be a better opportunity than the development support program.”
“Most importantly, indie developers should explain their game’s strengths based on the evaluation criteria, not just their own perspective. Providing concrete supporting materials is crucial. Additionally, since e-Naradoum may experience submission issues close to the deadline, it is strongly recommended to submit applications at least one day in advance.”
