On June 26, the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Yoo In-chon), successfully hosted the 2025 Indie Game Networking Day at Basement One in Gangnam, Seoul. Held as part of the 2025 Indie Game Development Support Program, the event brought together indie developers and leading game companies to exchange practical knowledge and foster cooperation.
■ A Milestone in Public-Private Cooperation for K-Indie Global Expansion
This event marked the first official implementation of the strategic MoU signed in December 2024 between KOCCA and three leading Korean game companies: NEOWIZ, Smilegate Megaport, and Pearl Abyss. The joint seminar focused on:
- Global business strategies for PC and console indie games
- Marketing tactics through international game expos
- Market entry strategies for global publishing
These sessions provided concrete insights and sparked meaningful discussion on how indie studios can scale internationally.
■ Building Unity and Growth through On-Site Communication
Over 100 participants, including representatives from 55 indie game studios selected for KOCCA’s 2025 support program, attended the event. The program facilitated networking among developers and enhanced understanding of global publishing workflows. Developers, many of whom had limited prior interaction with each other, exchanged experiences and broadened their perspectives on the industry.
One participant shared, “It was incredibly valuable to hear firsthand from experienced developers about launching games globally and to connect with peers at similar stages.”
Through direct dialogue with senior representatives from the participating corporations, developers gained new insight into the business strategies, challenges, and decision-making processes of leading firms, bridging the gap between startups and industry leaders.
■ Strengthening K-Games for Global Sustainability
Kim Nam-geol, Head of KOCCA’s Game & Tech Division, remarked, “This event was a meaningful first step in fostering real exchanges between indie developers and major industry players. We will continue to enhance our creator-focused support system and elevate the global competitiveness of Korean indie games through public-private collaboration.”
Looking ahead, KOCCA plans to operate a Korea Pavilion at Bitsummit 2025, held in Kyoto this July, as part of its broader strategy to support K-Indie developers’ direct global expansion. Additional networking initiatives and collaborative events are planned for later this year to further strengthen ties between indie studios and established publishers.
