The Jeonbuk Global Game Center, operated by the Jeonbuk Content Convergence Promotion Agency, announced on March 18 the recruitment of participating companies for the ‘2026 AI-based Indie Game Production Support Project.’ The application deadline is 3:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, and applications can only be submitted online via e-Naradoum (gosims.go.kr).
■ Utilization of AI technology is key… Simple board games excluded from support
The most significant feature of this project is that it makes the use of artificial intelligence technology a mandatory condition for the game production process. AI technology must be practically applied to generate and process game components, such as graphics, 3D assets, animations, sound, and video, or to improve production efficiency. There are no restrictions on the types of AI solutions, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, and AI cloud costs are also included in the support items. However, simple board games are excluded from the support.
■ 6 projects selected, totaling 300 million KRW… 10% self-contribution matching required
A total of six projects will be selected through a public screening process, with a total support budget of 300 million won. The grant per project is fixed at a maximum of 50 million won, and a cash matching contribution of at least 10% of the total project cost must be provided. The execution period is from the date of agreement signing until November 30, 2026, and upon project completion, a game build of a quality suitable for service or release through external platforms such as Steam, Google Play, and the App Store must be submitted.
■ Targeting startups and prospective entrepreneurs within 3 years of establishment… Companies from outside the province are also eligible to apply
Eligibility is limited to game startups and prospective entrepreneurs established within three years of the announcement date (March 17) (established after March 17, 2023). Both companies with business locations within Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province and those located outside the province are eligible to apply; however, for companies outside the province, relocating their headquarters to Jeonbuk within two months of the agreement is a mandatory requirement. Prospective entrepreneurs must complete business registration (game production business) within Jeonbuk within two months of the agreement date.
There are also new hiring conditions. For every 50 million won in subsidies, at least one new employee must be hired, and the employee must be hired after the project announcement date and work for at least three months during the project period.
■ Two-stage screening (written and in-person)… AI utilization strategy is key to evaluation
The selection process will proceed through a written evaluation (scheduled for April 13) and an in-person evaluation (scheduled for April 16), and a score of 70 points or higher in both stages is required to receive a ‘suitable’ rating. The evaluation criteria consist of project cost appropriateness (20 points), project planning capability (30 points), project content (25 points), and execution capability (20 points); in particular, the specificity of the AI technology utilization plan and the application strategy will be reflected as key indicators in the planning capability evaluation. Intensive question-and-answer sessions regarding the AI technology utilization plan are also scheduled to take place during the in-person evaluation.
Companies that include graduates of the Jeonbuk Global Game Center’s professional game development training program as participating personnel will be granted up to 2 bonus points. The agreement is scheduled to be signed on April 30, and a pre-agreement on-site inspection (April 27–28) will also be conducted.
For inquiries regarding the project, please contact the Cultural Contents Business Team at the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Content Convergence Promotion Agency (063-282-3762 / pys0267@jcon.or.kr ). The office is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (excluding lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM).
Overview of the 2026 AI-powered Indie Game Production Support Project
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Organizing body | Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Content Convergence Promotion Agency / Jeonbuk Global Game Center |
| Eligibility | Game startups and prospective entrepreneurs within 3 years of establishment (companies from within or outside the province are eligible) |
| Selection scale | 6 tasks |
| Total support budget | 300 million won |
| Funding per project | Up to 50 million won |
| Self-payment | Cash matching of at least 10% of the total project cost is mandatory. |
| New hires | At least one person required for every 50 million won in subsidies |
| Execution period | Date of agreement signing ~ November 30, 2026 |
| Key conditions | Practical application of AI technology in game content production is essential |
| Application period | March 18, 2026 – April 7 (Tue) 3:00 PM |
| Application method | e-Naradoum Online Application (Offline and email applications not accepted) |
| Signing of agreement | Scheduled for April 30, 2026 |
| Contact | 063-282-3762 / pys0267@jcon.or.kr |
| Notice | https://www.jcon.or.kr/board/view.php?nttId=4276&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000001&pageId=C000000016 |
