- The only local indie game exhibition in Korea run entirely by volunteers
- 50 development teams participate… Various side events centered on developer exchange and feedback draw attention
- Highlighting the Value of the Bu-Ul-Gyeong Indie Game Community Through Developer-Focused Exhibitions and Memorial Events
The 4th ‘BUILD 051,’ the only local indie game exhibition in Korea representing the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (BUULG) region, was successfully held at KT&G Sangsang Madang in Seomyeon, Busan from June 25 to 26.
This event was hosted by the Dongseo University Anchor Project Group and organized by the Busan indie developer group ‘Indibu (Indira Busan),’ and sponsored by Smilegate, the Smilegate Orange Planet Startup Foundation, and the Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency.
100% Volunteer … Bu-Ul-Gyeong Indie Game Festival with 50 Development Teams
Unlike existing game shows centered on major publishers, Build 051 is characterized by being operated entirely by volunteers, with the entire management team consisting of game industry professionals. This year, the event is being held at the first-floor lounge of KT&G Sangsang Madang in Seomyeon, an area with high foot traffic, to make it easier for general visitors to access indie games.
A total of 50 teams participated in this exhibition, including about 20 student development teams and 30 companies. Indie games at various stages, ranging from early prototypes to high-quality works seeking publishers, were unveiled, attracting the attention of visitors.
In memory of the late developer Park Dong-heung… Carrying on the legacy of local indie games
The event also featured a memorial session honoring the late developer Park Dong-heung (pen name ‘Ddongddongbae’), who is regarded as a pioneer of the Korean indie game creation scene. Four members of his family visited the venue and received a plaque of appreciation from the organizers; the family added a touching moment to the event by donating the consolation money they received to be used for improving the development environment for student developers.
Through this memorial event, colleagues and team members who worked with the deceased during their lifetime have reconnected, and they have agreed to jointly pursue archiving work to document the deceased’s legacy.
To honor the spirit of the deceased, the ‘Ddongddongbae Award (DDB Award)’ was also established for the first time this year. In the student category, the ‘Next Blue Award’ was won by ‘Dancing Zombie’ by the Vaeirus team from Dongseo University, and four teams—froggy wiggy studio, SmallBoots, Turtle Studio, and PLOOPY—were selected as featured teams.
Awards for Outstanding Works… A Stepping Stone for Growth Toward the Next Build
In the general category, the ‘Deep Blue Award’ was won by the Busan Masseidle team for ‘Break Shoot,’ while the ‘Lighthouse Award,’ a special judges’ prize, was awarded to the Ulsan Reverie team. The Reverie team won two awards by taking the top prize in both categories.
Hwang Ki-hyun, Head of the Dongseo University Anchor Project Group who supported the event, stated, “Build 051 is an event that goes beyond a simple exhibition to create a virtuous cycle where developers develop the next build based on feedback received on-site,” adding, “We will further strengthen the foundation for cooperation among the public, private, and academic sectors so that the challenges of local talents can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and industrialization.”
A local indie game festival built entirely by volunteers
Build 051 holds great significance as the only local indie game exhibition in Korea operated entirely by volunteers. Starting with around 20 teams at the inaugural event, the exhibition grew to approximately 40 teams the following year, and with 50 teams participating this year, it has established itself as a representative event for the Bu-Ul-Gyeong indie game ecosystem.
In particular, the operational approach focused on direct communication and feedback among developers is a unique strength of Build 051 that differentiates it from major game shows. Participants experienced each other’s works and shared development know-how, naturally creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.
In the Busan and Gyeongnam regions, over 1,000 students at more than six universities are studying with the dream of becoming game developers, and around 130 game companies release more than 60 games annually. Build 051 plays a crucial role in the growth of the regional game ecosystem as a platform connecting these local talents with the industrial base.
This year, the addition of a memorial event honoring the late developer Park Dong-heung and the ‘Ddongddongbae Awards’ further enhanced the significance of passing on the history and value of local indie game culture to the next generation. It is evaluated as having demonstrated its role as a cultural hub that goes beyond a simple game exhibition to share the legacy of the local community and build the future together.
Information regarding the 4th Build 051
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Event name | Build 051 (4th) |
| date | June 25 (Thu) – 26 (Fri), 2026, for 2 days |
| location | Busan Seomyeon KT&G Sangsang Madang 1st Floor Lounge |
| Host | Dongseo University Anchor Project Team |
| subjectivity | Indibu (Indira Busan) |
| boost | Smilegate, Smilegate Orange Planet Startup Foundation, Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency |
| Operating method | A 100% volunteer system by industry professionals, not led by major publishers |
| Participation scale | A total of 50 teams (approx. 20 student teams, approximately 30 corporate teams) |
| Level of submissions | From the initial prototype to the publisher meeting stage and the final build, it varies. |
| Special session | Memorial session for the late developer Park Dong-heung, visit to the bereaved family and presentation of a plaque of appreciation, and donation of consolation money to improve the student development environment |
| Student Category Award | Next Blue Award: Dongseo University Vaeirus Team ‘Dancing Zombie’ / Featured: froggy wiggy, SmallBoots, Turtle Studio, PLOOPY |
| General Category Award | Deep Blue Award: Busan Massei Team ‘Break Shoot’ |
| Special Award | Lighthouse Award (Special Jury Prize): Ulsan Reverie Team (2-time winner) |
| Purpose of the event | Centered on direct feedback and communication among developers, linking to the growth of the local indie ecosystem and employment/startup |
| Size growth trend | Round 1: Approx. 20 teams → Round 2: Approx. 40 teams → Round 4: 50 teams |
