- With 1,461 teams applying and an unprecedented level of competition, 40 teams were carefully selected for Stage 3 following Stages 1 and 2.
- In-depth evaluation focused on actual builds… Phased support including technical consulting, exhibitions, and investment linkages
- Continuous follow-up growth support for all 130 initially selected teams, regardless of whether they advance to the next round.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Choi Hwi-young) and the Korea Content Agency (President Kim Yun-ji, hereinafter KOCCA) conducted a phased evaluation of 1,461 teams that applied for the 2026 ‘Korea Indie Game Dev Camp (hereinafter Dev Camp)’ and selected 40 teams to advance to the third stage .
Devcamp is an indie game development program that provides evaluation and support across four stages, from game planning to prototype (vertical slice) production. By selecting teams to advance to each stage, providing development grants, and offering customized growth programs, it enhances creators’ development capabilities and helps produce high-quality indie games.
◆ Supported 1,461 teams… Fostering high-quality indie games through phased evaluations
This year, 1,461 teams applied, more than double the number from the previous year, engaging in fierce competition . KOCCA conducted a phased evaluation to select 130 teams in Stage 1, 75 teams in Stage 2, and 40 teams in Stage 3. Starting from Stage 2, judges directly demonstrated the games actually developed by the participating teams, focusing on development capabilities and the completeness of the games beyond the initial planning.
In the three-stage evaluation conducted over a total of three days, the judging panel thoroughly reviewed the development builds and submitted documents for each project through a preliminary review (Day 1) and a main evaluation (Day 2). They comprehensively evaluated the appeal of core content, originality, and level of game implementation by demonstrating the games in person.
During this process, the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) prepared high-performance computers and device-specific demonstration equipment to ensure stable evaluation of works across various development environments, and thoroughly checked the execution status of the development builds in advance. This minimized external variables, such as execution errors, and created a fair evaluation environment where the focus could be solely on the game’s originality and stable implementation.
◆ Strengthening linkages between technology consulting, exhibitions, and investment… Accelerating growth through collaboration with 7 leading companies
Teams advancing to Stage 3 are provided with in-depth consulting in various fields to enhance the quality of their games and support their entry into the market. Previously, development seminars were provided in Stage 1 and mentoring in Stage 2; the final teams advancing to Stage 4 will participate in the ‘Korea Indie Game Showcase,’ an on-site exhibition held in Pangyo this coming December, to present their developed works directly to visitors and industry professionals.
In addition, KOCCA has signed business agreements with seven leading companies, including Neowiz, Discord, Smilegate, Com2uS Holdings, Krafton, Toss (Viva Republica), and Pearl Abyss, and is supporting customized cooperation programs that leverage the characteristics of each company.
Last August, support was provided ranging from online lectures via Discord to participation in the ‘Busan Indie Connect Festival (BIC)’ joint booth in partnership with Pearl Abyss. In October, special lectures and networking events for domestic indie game developers are also planned in collaboration with Valve, the operator of the global PC game distribution platform Steam, and the ‘Busan Indie Connect Festival (BIC).’
◆ A sustainable growth system with no dropouts… Follow-up growth support for all 130 teams
KOCCA will continue to provide follow-up support to all 130 teams initially selected, regardless of whether they advance to Stage 3. The plan is to help all participating teams continue development and successfully establish themselves in the market by providing customized mentoring, updates on indie game market trends, visits to industry events, and connections to investment and publishing.
Kim Seong-jun, Head of the New Game Technology Division at KOCCA, stated, “Not only the 40 teams that advanced to Stage 3, but all 130 teams are important talents who will lead the future of the domestic indie game industry,” adding, “With the selection of the 20 teams to advance to the final Stage 4 coming up this November, we will provide unsparing support through Dev Camp so that excellent indie games can successfully enter the market.”
