Busan Metropolitan City, the Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency, and the Busan Indie Connect Festival Organizing Committee announced that they will release a video of the ‘BIC 2026
- The Launch: BIC Organizing Committee releases the “BIC 2026 Online Briefing” today at 3:00 PM KST.
- The Slogan: “Buff Your Indie Spirit” — A call to energize the synergy between creators and players.
- The Schedule: Online festivities start August 7, followed by the main offline event at BEXCO, Busan, on August 14–16.
- The Support: Heavyweight sponsors, including Pearl Abyss, KOCCA, and Smilegate Stove, are already on board.
The Busan Indie Connect (BIC) Festival, South Korea’s premier international indie game event, has officially kicked off its 12th year. Busan Metropolitan City and the BIC Organizing Committee announced that they will release a comprehensive business briefing today, March 20, via their official YouTube channel, “UNIVERSE-INDIE.”
August: The Month of Indie Magic
BIC 2026 will follow a hybrid format to maximize global reach and local engagement:
- Online Festival (Aug 7 – 28): A three-week digital showcase allowing gamers worldwide to play and vote on indie titles.
- Offline Festival (Aug 14 – 16): A massive three-day gathering at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1 (Hall 2) in Busan, featuring booths, networking, and the flagship BIC Conference.
New Buffs for the Ecosystem
Under the slogan “Buff Your Indie Spirit,” this year’s festival aims to act as a powerful status effect for the entire industry. The online briefing will detail:
- Submission Guidelines: Critical dates and rules for developers looking to showcase their games.
- Expanded Programs: New initiatives designed to bridge the gap between hardcore indie fans and general gamers.
- Conference Sessions: A deep dive into the business and craft of indie development, held on the event’s opening day.
“BIC is more than just an exhibition; it is a platform for direct connection,” said Ju Seong-pil, Chair of the BIC Organizing Committee. “This year, we are adding a ‘powerful buff’ to the ecosystem through expanded support and new programs that highlight the limitless possibilities of indie games.”
Early Backers and Future Partners
The festival’s influence continues to draw major industry players. As of March, seven Early Sponsors have been confirmed:
- Platinum: Pearl Abyss, Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)
- Gold: Smilegate Stove
- Silver: Visual Dart
- Bronze: AdPopcorn, Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC), Megazone Cloud
Official sponsor recruitment remains open until June 26, offering brands a chance to connect with one of the most passionate demographics in gaming.
How to Watch
The briefing video premieres today (March 20) at 3:00 PM KST on the UNIVERSE-INDIE YouTube channel. Developers can find further details and registration forms on the official BIC website (bicfest.org).
