The Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026 (BIC 2026) is officially inviting veteran titles back to the stage. While the competitive categories are for the newcomers and the unreleased “rookies,” the Connect Pick category is designed for exhibition, audience engagement, and celebrating the longevity of indie projects.

A “No-Stress” Path to BEXCO

The Connect Pick category is unique because it removes many of the barriers that usually haunt developers during festival season.

• Eligibility Freedom: Unlike other categories, you can apply if your game has been out for more than a year or if you have exhibited it at a previous BIC event.
• Simplified Application: Developers only need to provide a gameplay video link. While market links and builds are optional, the lower barrier to entry makes it much easier for busy studios to toss their hats in the ring.
• People-Powered Selection: Selection is determined by the Big Connectors. This ensures that the games chosen are ones that actual players are excited to see and interact with on the show floor.

Important Dates & Details

Exhibition Over Competition

“Connect Pick is about creating a bridge between developers and gamers in a way that bypasses the pressure of awards,” said the BIC Organizing Committee. While you won’t be walking away with a trophy in this specific category, the visibility at BEXCO—the heart of South Korean gaming in August—is often a prize in itself.

If your game has been gathering virtual dust on Steam or you just really miss the salt air of Busan’s Haeundae Beach, this is your signal to apply.

Official Website: BIC Festival Official Site

Second Chances in the Spotlight: BIC 2026 Opens ‘Connect Pick’ Applications - 인디게임닷컴.

Finding a publisher is one thing, but securing the kind of investment that scales a studio is a different boss fight entirely. To help local developers navigate these waters, Gyeonggi-do has officially opened recruitment for its 2026 Game Investment Attraction Support Project.

A Seven-Month Strategic Journey

Selected companies won’t just be handed a check; they’ll be put through a rigorous training regimen designed to make them “investor-ready.”

1. Diagnosis & Analysis: Companies receive a deep dive into their current market position and financial health.
2. Custom Consulting: Tailored advice from specialized game industry investors on how to pitch and scale.
3. Demo Day (October): A high-stakes event where developers present their progress and projects to a room full of venture capitalists and major publishers.

Beyond the Pitch: Long-term Rewards

GCA is looking to ensure these companies don’t just survive the pitch but thrive in the global market. Top-performing participants will receive:

• Global Exposure: Support for B2B participation in major international game shows.
• Continuous Matching: Direct follow-up meetings with investors and ongoing financial data updates.
• Expert Access: On-demand consulting for external funding and legal/financial hurdles.

Quick Specification: 2026 Investment Support

How to Apply

Interested developers need to act fast, as the window is only open for ten more days. Detailed announcements and application forms are available on the GCA website.

“Investment is the essential fuel for a company’s growth,” said Byeon-cheon Hyeon, Director of the Future Growth Industry Bureau. “This project will serve as the ‘starting water’ for our promising local developers to make their splash on the global stage.”

Official Website: www.gcon.or.kr

Contact: Game Industry Team (031-776-4789 / ggc@gcon.or.kr)

Leveling Up the Business: Gyeonggi-do Launches Investment Support for Game Devs - 인디게임닷컴.

• The Mission: Bridging the gap between digital and analog game development through the project: “Dominate Online & Offline with AI.”
• The Funding: Mentees receive 1.5 million KRW monthly, while follow-up projects can secure up to 24 million KRW in total support.
• The Focus: High-intensity 1:2 apprenticeship-style mentoring and a specialized track for AI integration in game design.
• The Deadline: Applications are open until April 15, 2026, at Midnight KST.

Gembllo Company has been finally selected as a platform institution in the game sector for the ‘2026 Content Creative Talent Development Program’ organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency for this year as well, following last year.

Quick Specification: Gemblo Company 2026 Program

How to Apply

Aspiring game designers and developers must act quickly, as the deadline is less than five days away. Gemblo suggests submitting applications at least 24 hours in advance to avoid technical delays.

• Mentorship Application: Apply via Google Forms
• Follow-up Application: Apply via Google Forms
• Full Details: Gemblo Official Website

“This year, we are focusing on providing direct help for employment and entrepreneurship by combining top-tier industry expertise with specialized AI technology,” stated a representative from Gemblo Company. “Whether your dream is a digital hit or an analog masterpiece, we are here to provide the platform for your global debut.”

Digital Meets Analog: Gemblo Company Opens Applications for ‘2026 Creative Talent Mentorship’ - 인디게임닷컴.

The search for the next global mobile sensation is officially on. KRAFTON (CEO Changhan Kim) and Neptune (CEO Yulbin Kang) have announced a massive partnership to host the “Flick x KRAFTON Casual Game Challenge Season 01.” With a staggering $5 million investment and prize pool on the line, the contest is throwing down the gauntlet to indie studios and global developers alike.

What is a “Hybrid Casual” Game?

For those not deep in the dev-logs, the Hybrid Casual genre is currently the “sweet spot” of the mobile gaming market. It combines the simple, addictive “pick up and play” mechanics of hyper-casual games with the deeper progression and long-term retention of mid-core titles.

• Revenue Model: A blend of In-App Advertising (IAA) and In-App Purchases (IAP).
• The Goal: High accessibility for millions of users with the financial depth of a hardcore RPG.

The “Flick” Advantage

Winning isn’t just about the cash; it’s about the infrastructure. Selected games will be published under Flick, Neptune’s dedicated hybrid casual brand. Flick is designed to act as an accelerator, using data-driven operations and ad-tech to verify a game’s potential in the market almost instantly.

Krafton will lend its “global eye” and publishing experience, ensuring that even a small prototype from a two-person team has the resources to scale into a worldwide hit.

Contest Roadmap & Specifications

How to Enter

The challenge is open to global creators, and the organizers have made it clear that they aren’t just looking for finished masterpieces. Prototypes and early-stage projects are highly encouraged, as the goal of the challenge is to find a “diamond in the rough” that can be polished through the Flick pipeline.

“We are combining Krafton’s vision for global IPs with Neptune’s operational know-how to build a sustainable pipeline for indie creators,” a representative stated. “If you have a core loop that is fun and scalable, we want to see it.”

Interested developers can find the full submission criteria and the application portal at the official website: flickdifferent.com.

A $5 Million Shot: Krafton and Neptune Launch ‘Flick x KRAFTON’ Global Challenge - 인디게임닷컴.

[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.

BIC Festival 2026: Official Call for Entries - 인디게임닷컴.

As AI continues to redefine the boundaries of digital entertainment, Soonchunhyang University’s Industry-University Cooperation Foundation has officially launched its flagship program: “Co-Create AI: AI-Based Game Development Mentoring.” Part of the broader “Level Up Together” initiative supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and KOCCA, this seven-month intensive program is designed to turn the next generation of developers into AI-native creators.

Mastering the Machine: From Planning to 3D Assets

Running from April to November 2026, the program moves beyond basic lectures to offer a “learning by doing” experience. Mentees will be divided into three specialized tracks to ensure deep technical immersion:

1. Game Planning (10 Mentees): Focusing on data-driven project management, milestone tracking, and AI-assisted narrative design.
2. Game Graphics (6 Mentees): Deep dives into high-quality AI-based 3D resource production pipelines and procedural asset generation.
3. Game Programming (6 Mentees): Utilizing cloud-based performance verification and integrating AI modules directly into game engines.

The curriculum isn’t just about coding; it includes high-stakes events like the AI Game Jam and provides a “Self-Objectification Report” through cloud-based performance analytics to help developers understand their strengths and weaknesses objectively.

Quick Specification: Soonchunhyang AI Mentorship

Bridging the Gap to Employment and Startups

A spokesperson for Soonchunhyang University highlighted that the program’s primary goal is real-world success. “We have gathered top-tier industry experts to ensure our mentees receive direct, practical help that leads to immediate employment or the launching of their own startups,” they stated.

The inclusion of BIC Festival 2026 (Busan Indie Connect) is a massive draw, offering chosen developers a global stage to showcase their AI-integrated projects to investors and fans alike.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must act quickly as the deadline is less than a week away.

• Application Method: Submit via Google Forms.
• Required Documents: Application form, self-introduction, portfolio, and signed consent forms.
• Deadline: April 15, 2026, by 2:00 PM KST.

With 1.5 million KRW in monthly support and access to elite industry networks, this is arguably the most competitive “level up” opportunity for Korean indie developers this spring.

[Co-Create AI: AI-based Game Development Mentoring Program Application Page]

Co-Create AI: Soonchunhyang University Opens Recruitment for AI Game Dev Mentorship - 인디게임닷컴.

The Stakes: Total prize pools exceed 100 million KRW, with monthly stipends of 1.5 million KRW and fully funded booths at Gamescom 2026 and ChinaJoy on the line.

The Deadline Alert: Several key programs close this week, including the Jeonbuk AI Support (which closed just hours ago) and IndieGo (April 12).

The South Korean indie game ecosystem is vibrating with activity this April. From government-backed talent cultivation to private-sector incubators, a wave of support programs is opening doors for everyone from solo “bedroom” coders to established startups. If you are developing an indie title in 2026, here is your essential roadmap to the opportunities closing this month.

2026 Indiecraft – Up to 40 million KRW in prize money, submissions accepted until April 30

Hosted by the Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency and the KMGA, IndieCraft remains the most prestigious trophy for Korean indies.

• Grand Prize: A record-breaking 40 million KRW for the domestic winner.
• Global Exposure: Top 50 finalists get a dedicated booth at GXG 2026 (reaching 40,000 visitors) and a chance to exhibit at Gamescom 2026 in Germany.
• Deadline: April 30, 2026.

[Related Article: Recruitment Begins for K-Indie Game Festival ‘2026 Indiecraft’]

Smilegate Indigo Vol. 5 – Prize money created by senior creators, deadline April 12

This program is unique because its prize money is donated by successful “senior” indie developers who previously graduated from the Smilegate Membership (SGM).

• The Reward: 10 million KRW total prize pool and 1:1 mentoring from industry veterans.
• Eligibility: Teams developing PC/Mobile titles without a publisher.
• Deadline: April 12, 2026.

[Related Article: Smilegate Future Lab Recruits Participants (Teams) for Indie Game Contest ‘Indigo’]

2026 Content Creative Talent Development Program – 22 AI Developers Selected, 1.5 Million Won Monthly Support

Focusing on the “AI-Native” shift, this KOCCA initiative is perfect for early-stage creators looking for financial stability.

• The Support: A monthly stipend of 1.5 million KRW for 6.5 months.
• The Training: 6 hours of weekly mentoring by experts from Neople, Com2uS, and Smilegate.
• Deadline: April 15, 2026 (11:00 AM KST).

[Related Article: Fostering AI-based Development Personnel, Recruiting Trainees for ‘2026 Content Creative Talent Development Program’]

Seoul City ‘2026 Game Market Seoul Pavilion’ – ChinaJoy, BIC, G-Star, Closes on April 20

The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) is taking 24 Seoul-based companies to the world’s biggest stages.

• Venues: Fully supported booths at ChinaJoy (Shanghai), BIC (Busan), and G-Star (Busan).
• The Perk: Includes booth construction, professional translation, and pre-arranged B2B business matching with global buyers.
• Deadline: April 20, 2026.

[Related Article: Seoul City Recruits Participants for ‘2026 Game Market’ Targeting Small and Medium-sized Game Companies]

Focus on region-based production support… Expansion of Global Game Center business

Production support programs by Global Game Centers operated by local governments are also emerging as important opportunities for indie developers. Hub centers distributed across 12 regions nationwide provide practical assistance ranging from initial development cost support to infrastructure and mentoring.

The most significant feature of these programs is production support linked to local settlement. They provide a stable development environment and network by requiring the relocation of the headquarters to the region or the execution of projects within the area within a specified period.

In particular, there has recently been a trend of expanding support centered on projects incorporating the latest technologies such as AI and the metaverse. It is evaluated as highly effective because it often goes beyond simple production cost support to include expenses necessary for the actual development process, such as cloud computing, data analysis, and 3D asset creation.

The scale of support is also at the level of tens of millions of won per project, serving as a realistic funding source for early-stage startups or small teams to improve the quality of their projects.

Industry analysts suggest that these region-based support programs are playing a role in alleviating the Seoul-centric structure and expanding the indie game ecosystem nationwide.

East Asia Indie Game Celebration – August Online Festival, Developer Submissions Close on April 10

The East Asia Indie Games Celebration, an online Steam festival for indie games in East Asia, has begun recruiting developers and streamers ahead of its second event.

The deadline for developer applications is April 10 (already closed), and the deadline for streamer and creator applications is June 30. The event is scheduled to be held in early August 2026 as a Steam Promotion & Discount Festival.

At the first event, 422 games from 12 regions in East Asia participated, achieving over 3.15 million cumulative impressions. For this year’s second event, in addition to improving visibility and expanding developer networking, a new track for creators, including VTubers and live streamers, has been established, aiming to leap beyond a simple sales event into a comprehensive platform where developers, players, and creators come together.

Games released after 2024 or games that have not yet opened a Steam page are eligible to participate, but adult-only games are excluded.

[Related Article: 2nd East Asia Indie Game Celebration to be Held… Recruiting Developers and Streamers]

April Major Support Schedule at a Glance

Expert Guide: Which Program is Right for You?

• If you are in the Prototype Stage: Focus on the KOCCA Creative Talent Program. The monthly stipend allows you to focus 100% on development without a side job.
• If you have a Playable Build: Apply for IndieCraft. The FGT (Focus Group Test) user jury feedback is invaluable for balancing your game before a commercial launch.
• If you are ready for a Global Launch: The Seoul Pavilion (SBA) is your best bet to find an international publisher.

Fueling the K-Indie Boom: A Guide to Major Game Support Programs in April 2026 - 인디게임닷컴.

Every spring, support programs and contests targeting the domestic indie game ecosystem begin to open one after another.

In April of this year, projects of various purposes and scales are being conducted simultaneously, ranging from open calls for entries to major events to support for AI-powered production and entry into overseas markets. As these projects encompass a wide range of participants, from solo developers to startups less than five years old, it is necessary to carefully examine the schedules and conditions of each initiative.

2026 Indiecraft – Up to 40 million KRW in prize money, submissions accepted until April 30

‘2026 Indiecraft,’ co-hosted by the Seongnam Business Agency and the Korea Mobile Game Association, is Korea’s leading indie game event. This year, submissions are being accepted until April 30, and any domestic developer—whether a company, team, or individual—can participate as long as they have the basic materials.

Developers selected for the TOP 50 through the screening process will be able to participate in an offline exhibition linked to the ‘GXG 2026’ multi-cultural festival held in Seongnam this coming September, where they can meet approximately 40,000 visitors in person. In particular, this year the prize money for the TOP 1 in the domestic category has been increased compared to last year, with a maximum of 40 million won awarded, and a new FGT user judging panel will be operated to select the top 3 best games.

Support for overseas expansion has also been significantly strengthened. During the exhibition, a ‘K-Content Export Consultation’ is scheduled, providing an opportunity to meet with global publishers and investors from various regions including Brazil, South America, Europe, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Additionally, there are plans to operate a promotional booth at ‘Gamescom 2026,’ one of the world’s top three game shows. Lectures on AI-based 3D solutions and data analysis will also be provided.

[Related Article: Recruitment Begins for K-Indie Game Festival ‘2026 Indiecraft’]

Smilegate Indigo Vol. 5 – Prize money created by senior creators, deadline April 12

IndieGo, an indie game creation contest operated by Smilegate Future Lab, is accepting applications for its 5th edition. The application deadline is April 12, and any team currently developing a PC or mobile-based indie game is eligible to apply. However, works that have signed a publishing contract, works that have completed the Smilegate Membership (SGM) indie game program, and previous IndieGo winners are excluded.

In this competition, a total of 7 teams will be selected and awarded a total of 10 million won in prize money. In addition to the prize money, all participants will be provided with one-on-one mentoring with industry experts, and the winning team will be given the opportunity to participate in the 18th SGM program.

The most distinctive feature of Indigo is that the prize money is raised through voluntary donations from past SGM graduate teams. This year, Cassel Games (SGM 11th), Indigo Blue (SGM 11th), and Lizard Smoothie (SGM 16th) contributed to the prize money. This virtuous cycle, in which senior creators provide opportunities for juniors, has continued for five years, with more than 18 teams participating in the donation to date.

[Related Article: Smilegate Future Lab Recruits Participants (Teams) for Indie Game Contest ‘Indigo’]

2026 Content Creative Talent Development Program – 22 AI Developers Selected, 1.5 Million Won Monthly Support

The ‘2026 Content Creative Talent Mentoring Program,’ jointly promoted by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Sogang University, and the Korea Artificial Intelligence Game Association, is a program designed to discover and nurture aspiring creators equipped with AI-based game development capabilities. The application period runs from April 1 to April 15 at 11:00 AM, and a total of 22 mentees will be selected.

This year’s theme is “Mentoring for Fostering Developers Using AI to Enhance Game Development Efficiency,” featuring practical, hands-on training that integrates generative AI into the entire game development process, including planning, art, server, level design, and marketing. Experts from major Korean game companies, such as Neople, Com2uS, Unity Korea, and Smilegate, are participating as mentors.

Selected trainees will be provided with 6 hours of mentoring per week and a monthly creative support fund of 1.5 million won for approximately 6.5 months, from May to November 2026. Eligibility is open to aspiring creators and indie game developers (teams) aged 19 to 34, and up to two members per team will be selected.

[Related Article: Fostering AI-based Development Personnel, Recruiting Trainees for ‘2026 Content Creative Talent Development Program’]

Seoul City ‘2026 Game Market Seoul Pavilion’ – ChinaJoy, BIC, G-Star, Closes on April 20

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) recruited participants for the ‘2026 Game Market Seoul Pavilion,’ which supports the overseas expansion of small and medium-sized game companies based in Seoul, from April 1 to April 20. This year, the Seoul Pavilion will be operated at three events—ChinaJoy (July, Shanghai, China), Busan Indie Connect Festival-BIC (August, Busan), and G-Star (November, Busan)—supporting a total of 24 companies.

Selected companies are provided with shared booth rental and setup, promotional material production, interpretation and on-site operation personnel, and one-stop support covering the entire process of on-site entry, including pre-business matching with global publishers and buyers, FGT user evaluation, and feedback reports.

As the 18 companies participating in the Seoul Pavilion at last year’s Tokyo Game Show and G-Star recorded 225 business consultations, 9 MOUs and NDAs, and contract negotiations worth approximately $77 million, this business has already proven its potential as a practical export platform.

[Related Article: Seoul City Recruits Participants for ‘2026 Game Market’ Targeting Small and Medium-sized Game Companies]

Focus on region-based production support… Expansion of Global Game Center business

Production support programs by Global Game Centers operated by local governments are also emerging as important opportunities for indie developers. Hub centers distributed across 12 regions nationwide provide practical assistance ranging from initial development cost support to infrastructure and mentoring.

The most significant feature of these programs is production support linked to local settlement. They provide a stable development environment and network by requiring the relocation of the headquarters to the region or the execution of projects within the area within a specified period.

In particular, there has recently been a trend of expanding support centered on projects incorporating the latest technologies such as AI and the metaverse. It is evaluated as highly effective because it often goes beyond simple production cost support to include expenses necessary for the actual development process, such as cloud computing, data analysis, and 3D asset creation.

The scale of support is also at the level of tens of millions of won per project, serving as a realistic funding source for early-stage startups or small teams to improve the quality of their projects.

Industry analysts suggest that these region-based support programs are playing a role in alleviating the Seoul-centric structure and expanding the indie game ecosystem nationwide.

East Asia Indie Game Celebration – August Online Festival, Developer Submissions Close on April 10

The East Asia Indie Games Celebration, an online Steam festival for indie games in East Asia, has begun recruiting developers and streamers ahead of its second event.

The deadline for developer applications is April 10 (already closed), and the deadline for streamer and creator applications is June 30. The event is scheduled to be held in early August 2026 as a Steam Promotion & Discount Festival.

At the first event, 422 games from 12 regions in East Asia participated, achieving over 3.15 million cumulative impressions. For this year’s second event, in addition to improving visibility and expanding developer networking, a new track for creators, including VTubers and live streamers, has been established, aiming to leap beyond a simple sales event into a comprehensive platform where developers, players, and creators come together.

Games released after 2024 or games that have not yet opened a Steam page are eligible to participate, but adult-only games are excluded.

[Related Article: 2nd East Asia Indie Game Celebration to be Held… Recruiting Developers and Streamers]

April Major Support Program Schedule at a Glance

Depending on the development stage, Indigo or the Creative Talent Partnership Program may be realistic options for early-stage prototype teams, while submitting to Indiecraft or Game Market Seoul are viable choices for teams with polished games. As some programs have imminent application deadlines, it is recommended to prepare promptly based on the remaining schedule.

Attention Indie Game Developers… April Support Programs & Contests Summary - 인디게임닷컴.

The hunt for the next big K-indie hit has officially begun. The Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency (SNIP) and the Korea Mobile Game Association (KMGA) have announced the recruitment kickoff for ‘2026 IndieCraft,’ South Korea’s premier exhibition dedicated to discovering and nurturing independent game developers.

Big Rewards for the TOP 50

This year, IndieCraft is raising the stakes for its TOP 50 finalists. Beyond the prestige, the organizers have significantly increased the financial incentives and public exposure for winners:

• Record-Breaking Prize: The 1st place winner in the domestic category will receive a grand prize of 40 million KRW, a substantial increase from previous years.
• Massive Exposure: Finalists will exhibit their work at GXG 2026 (September 11–12), a high-profile festival in Seongnam City expected to draw over 40,000 visitors.
• Rigorous Evaluation: To ensure the highest quality, a dedicated Focus Group Test (FGT) user jury will be introduced to help select the ultimate TOP 3 winners.

Bridging the Gap to Global Markets

IndieCraft isn’t just about local recognition; it’s a springboard for global success. The 2026 program features a heavily reinforced international strategy:

1. K-Content Export Consultation: During the offline exhibition, developers can access “Business Matching” sessions with major publishers and investors from South America (Brazil), Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), and more.
2. Gamescom 2026 Pavilion: Selected developers will be flown to Cologne, Germany, to showcase their games at a dedicated K-Indie booth during Gamescom, one of the world’s “Big Three” game shows.
3. Technical Empowerment: The program will host workshops on AI-based 3D solutions and advanced data analysis to help small teams compete with larger studios on a technical level.

Quick Specification: 2026 IndieCraft

A Hub for Innovation

“Seongnam is the heart of the Korean game industry, and IndieCraft is the most vital gateway for hidden gems to meet the world,” said Lee Deok-hee, Strategic Industry Director at SNIP.

Chairman Hwang Sung-ik of the KMGA added, “We have prepared a massive suite of new support projects to back the growth of our developers. We look forward to seeing the creative ideas and passion that our indie community brings this year.”

Official Website: IndieCraft Official Site

Gateway to Glory: ‘2026 IndieCraft’ Opens Call for Korea’s Best Indie Talent - 인디게임닷컴.

The Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency (President Cha Gwang-seung) and the Korea Mobile Game Association (President Hwang Seong-ik) are starting the recruitment of participating developers for ‘2026 Indiecraft’ to discover domestic indie games and support their global expansion.

‘2026 Indiecraft,’ which has established itself as Korea’s representative indie game event, is accepting submissions until April 30. Any domestic indie game developer, team, or individual developer can participate, and applications are accepted as long as basic materials explaining the entry, such as game videos or introductory materials, are provided.

Significantly expanded support benefits for Top 50 developers

Indiecraft, which has introduced new support items every year to foster the growth of indie developers, is offering enhanced benefits to the TOP 50 selected developers participating in the offline exhibition this year as well.

In particular, the prize money for the top 1 in the domestic category has been significantly increased compared to last year, with a maximum of 40 million won awarded. Additionally, an offline exhibition will be held in conjunction with the ‘GXG 2026’ cultural festival taking place in Seongnam from September 11 to 12, providing an opportunity to showcase the game directly to approximately 40,000 visitors.

In particular, this year, an even more intense competition is expected to unfold as an FGT user judging panel with diverse gameplay experience will be operated to select the top 3 best developers.

Strengthening support programs for new global expansion

Support for overseas expansion has also been significantly strengthened this year. During the offline exhibition, a ‘K-Content Export Consultation (tentative name)’ will be held, providing an opportunity to meet global publishers and investors from various regions, including Brazil, South America, Europe, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Any developer selected by Indiecraft that is preparing to enter the global market can apply for business matching. In addition, there are plans to actively promote K-indie games overseas by operating a promotional booth at ‘Gamescom 2026,’ considered one of the world’s top three game shows. The aim is to translate the heightened interest in Korean content into tangible results by expanding game demonstrations and networking opportunities for local industry professionals.

In addition, it supports the strengthening of developers’ technical capabilities by hosting online and offline lectures related to AI-based 3D solutions and data analysis.

Lee Deok-hee, Head of the Strategic Industry Division at the Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency, stated, “Seongnam is the hub of the domestic game industry, and Indiecraft is one of the most important channels for hidden developers to connect with the world.” He added, “As we have further strengthened our support for overseas exhibitions and programs for global expansion this year, we hope that developers with fresh ideas and passion will take this opportunity to leap onto the global stage.”

Hwang Seong-ik, Co-organizer of Indiecraft, stated, “The Korea Indie Game Festival has officially begun this year. We have prepared a wide range of new support programs to underpin the growth of developers, so we hope for active participation from indie game developers with outstanding capabilities.”

For more information on the 2026 Indiecraft entry and event, search for ‘Indiecraft’ on a portal site to check the official website, or contact the operating office (indiecraft@k-mga.or.kr).

[Indiecraft Official Website:https://www.snip.or.kr/indiecraft/main/index.do ]

Registration Begins for K-Indie Game Festival ‘2026 Indiecraft’ - 인디게임닷컴.