The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) have announced that the “Game Institute Showcase 2026” will take place from January 13 to 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Pangyo, Seongnam. The event will serve as a premier stage for 13 original new games developed by the next generation of industry leaders.
A Platform for Innovation: 13 New Titles Across Diverse Genres
The Game Institute, established in 2019, has become South Korea’s flagship academy for cultivating professional game developers. This year’s showcase highlights the practical skills of students who have managed the entire development cycle—from initial planning to final release.
- Diverse Platforms: Titles will be demonstrated on PC, Xbox, and Virtual Reality (VR).
- Genre-Defying Gameplay: The lineup includes a wide array of genres such as Action, Roguelike, Adventure, Puzzle, Horror, and RPG.
- Interactive Demos: Visitors can play the games firsthand and engage in direct technical discussions with the student developers.
Beyond the exhibition, the event will feature a “Career & Startup Consulting Booth.” Experts will provide one-on-one sessions for aspiring developers, offering practical guidance on entering the professional market or launching an independent studio.
Global Keynotes: Insights from Console Giants
To align the students’ vision with the global market, the showcase will feature “Open Special Lectures” from renowned international experts.
- Idea Factory: CEO Sato Yoshiteru will deliver the keynote address on the importance of world-building, storytelling, and character IP in the console market, alongside global targeting strategies.
- Square Enix: Technical Producer Ben Taylor—a veteran with 25 years of experience—will discuss the technical and artistic evolution required to bridge the differences between North American, European, and Japanese console markets.
Additional sessions will focus on domestic console development practices, providing a holistic view of the global and local industry landscapes.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Kim Nam-geol, Head of the Game & New Technology Division at KOCCA, emphasized the event’s broader significance:
“This showcase goes beyond a simple exhibition; it is an opportunity to connect the potential of future talent with the industry and expand our vision toward the global console market. We will continue our systematic support to foster core talent that meets the demands of a rapidly changing industrial environment.”
