The Korea AI Game Association has officially announced the recruitment of entries for “Indie Arcade” (인디오락실), the flagship indie game exhibition brand at 2026 PlayX4. This event, hosted by Gyeonggi-do, remains one of the most significant stages for Korean indie developers to showcase their work directly to the public and industry professionals.
Since its inception in 2018, the Indie Arcade has served as a vital launchpad, providing practical exhibition opportunities, marketing support, and direct user feedback.
Recruitment Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Eligibility | Any Korean indie developer (Company, Team, or Individual) |
| Platform | All platforms supported (PC, Mobile, AR, VR, etc.) |
| Selection Scale | Approximately 30 teams |
| Selection Process | Document review by a panel of 10 industry experts |
| Exhibition Date | May 21 (Thu) – May 24 (Sun), 2026 |
| Location | KINTEX, Ilsan (PlayX4 Venue) |
Exclusive Benefits for Selected Teams
Developers chosen for the 2026 Indie Arcade will receive a suite of support tools to ensure a successful exhibition:
- Booth Support: Discounted rates for a 3x3m basic booth and essential supplies.
- Promotional Push: Creation of promotional posters, distribution of press releases, and featured developer interviews.
- Strategic Networking: Direct links to publishers and industry veterans for potential business matching.
- Event Passes: Support for staff entry passes and participation in on-site giveaway events.
Note on Costs & Equipment: Starting this year, a basic participation fee of 1,000,000 KRW (plus VAT) applies. However, teams selected through the Association’s Indie Game Zone will receive a 50% discount (reducing the fee to 500,000 KRW). Participants are responsible for bringing their own demonstration hardware (PCs, monitors, VR headsets, etc.).
Celebrating Excellence: The ‘IndiePlay Awards’
In addition to the exhibition, the association will host the IndiePlay Awards during the PlayX4 period.
- Target: Outstanding indie games released in 2025.
- Date: May 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the PlayX4 Station.
- Networking Party: A dedicated session for developers and industry stakeholders to connect and celebrate will follow the awards ceremony.
The association emphasizes that this event is a crucial stage where indie games can bridge the gap between “niche” and “mainstream.”
