BIC Festival 2026: Official Call for Entries

• 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:

1. General Division (Competitive): For games currently in development or released within the last year.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

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

1. Visit the Official BIC Website.
2. Review the specific exhibition regulations for your division.
3. Submit your build or video before the 3:00 PM deadline.
4. Wait for results, which are expected between the last week of June and the first week of July.