- The Event: A hybrid festival featuring an online showcase and an offline exhibition at BEXCO, Busan.
- New for 2026: Introduction of the ‘Prime Indie’ category for multi-project studios and publishers.
- The Hybrid Schedule: * Online: August 7 – 28, 2026
- Offline: August 14 – 16, 2026 (BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1)
[Related Article: Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026, Online Business Briefing Unveiled]
Submission Categories: Find Your Fit
BIC 2026 has expanded its entry tracks to accommodate projects at every stage of the lifecycle:
- General Division (Competitive): For games currently in development or released within the last year.
- Rookie Division (Competitive): Dedicated to students and young creators (born between 2002 and 2012). This includes graduation projects and works from aspiring developers who are currently unemployed.
- Connect Pick (Non-Competitive): For “legacy” indies—games released more than a year ago or those that have previously exhibited at BIC but want to return for a victory lap.
- Prime Indie (New!): A paid booth category specifically for indie studios managing multiple concurrent projects or publishing firms that were directly involved in the development process.
Important Deadlines & Requirements
All submission windows open and close at 3:00 PM KST sharp. Do not wait until the last minute!
| Category | Application Period | Submission Requirement |
| General | April 8 – May 14 | Playable Build (Required) |
| Rookie | April 8 – June 17 | Playable Build (Required) |
| Connect Pick | April 15 – May 26 | Gameplay Video (Required) |
| Prime Indie | Ongoing | Contact Secretariat for Paid Booths |
Note on File Sizes: If your build exceeds 2GB, the organizers allow for external download links. Connect Pick applicants only need to provide a gameplay video link, though market links are encouraged.
Why Submit to BIC 2026?
BIC is more than just a trophy—it’s a massive networking hub. Winners and finalists gain immediate visibility with the “BIGConnectors” (BIC’s official voting community) and professional judges. Selected titles will be featured during the three-day offline event at BEXCO, providing direct face-to-face feedback from thousands of players.
“BIC is where developers meet their fans and where the industry finds its future,” said Joo Seong-pil, Chairman of the BIC Organizing Committee. “With the addition of Prime Indie, we are providing a broader platform for both fresh creators and established indie powerhouses to find new opportunities.”
How to Apply
- Visit the Official BIC Website.
- Review the specific exhibition regulations for your division.
- Submit your build or video before the 3:00 PM deadline.
- Wait for results, which are expected between the last week of June and the first week of July.
