The Busan Metropolitan City, the Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency, and the Busan Indie Connect Festival (BIC) Organizing Committee have officially unveiled the schedule for BIC 2026, the 12th iteration of the globally recognized indie game festival.
As a premier hub for indie creators and fans, the festival will once again utilize a hybrid format, starting with an online festival from August 7 to August 28, and culminating in a three-day offline event from August 14 to August 16 at the BEXCO Exhibition Center 1 (Hall 2) in Busan.
A Global Hub for Indie Excellence
Following a record-breaking year in 2025—which saw 283 games from 32 countries and over 38,000 attendees—BIC 2026 aims to further solidify its status as a global platform. The organizing committee is focusing on a “hybrid” strategy to bridge the gap between digital accessibility and on-site networking.
- Strategic Timing: The offline event coincides with the Liberation Day holiday weekend in Korea, making it highly accessible for general visitors while providing a relaxed schedule for industry professionals to engage in deep business networking.
- Expansion Goals: Beyond a simple exhibition, BIC is evolving into a full-cycle platform that supports the development, distribution, and exchange of indie games on a worldwide scale.
Early Sponsorship and the “Co-growth” Model
The recruitment for Early Sponsors is officially open from January 22 to March 9. Unlike traditional sponsorships, BIC’s “Early Sponsor” program involves partners in the initial planning stages to strengthen their connection to the indie ecosystem.
The committee plans to move beyond simple financial support, building a “co-growth” model that promotes the spread of indie culture and fosters sustainable industry development.
Looking Ahead to March
While the dates are set, the core identity of the 2026 festival—including its official slogan and specific program lineup—will be revealed in March. The announcement will be made via the official YouTube channel, “UNIVERSE-INDIE,” and will include details on:
- Official Slogan and Key Programs.
- Exhibition Application Deadlines.
- The Evaluation and Selection Process.
📅 BIC 2026 Festival Schedule at a Glance
| Event Phase | Dates | Location / Platform |
| Online Festival | Aug 7 (Fri) – Aug 28 (Fri) | Official Website |
| Offline Festival | Aug 14 (Fri) – Aug 16 (Sun) | BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 2 |
| Early Sponsor Recruitment | Jan 22 – Mar 9 | BIC Official Channels |
| Major Announcements | March 2026 | YouTube (UNIVERSE-INDIE) |
“This year, we are focusing on strengthening our function as a global hub where indie game stakeholders from around the world can communicate,” said Joo Sung-pil, Chairman of the BIC Organizing Committee. “We will create an environment where developers and gamers can interact deeply and build a sustainable indie ecosystem with our partners.”
