Blue Ocean Games Launches $30 Million Fund for Indie Game Developers

Blue Ocean Games, backed by the esteemed South Korean gaming company Krafton Inc., has established a substantial $30 million fund aimed at aiding indie game developers around the globe, particularly targeting emerging talent from India. This exciting initiative was initiated by Damian Lee, who previously led the investments at Krafton, with a vision to support 100 developers over a span of three years.

Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (Sail) Investment Model

As part of its mission, Blue Ocean Games has developed a unique investment model known as the Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (Sail). This model facilitates funding at the conceptual phase—allowing developers to secure investment prior to creating a playable game build. Each indie developer can access funding of up to $100,000, while teams have the potential to receive an amount reaching $300,000, distributed across a two-year period.

Intellectual Property and Developer Control

Importantly, under the Sail framework, developers maintain complete ownership of their intellectual property. The agreement combines elements of equity and revenue-sharing, providing a balanced approach that prioritises developer oversight while ensuring returns for investors.

Support Beyond Financial Investment

According to Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, the creative and technical skills present in India are immense, yet many innovative ideas lack essential early-stage support. Blue Ocean Games is pioneering a forward-thinking investment framework aimed at offering crucial financial assistance to indie developers right from the outset. This initiative goes beyond merely providing funding; the fund will also assist with practical elements like incorporation, bookkeeping, and mentorship by experienced industry professionals.

To promote collaboration and community development, developers will be organised into cohorts that encourage shared learning experiences.

Future Plans for Supporting Larger Development Teams

While the current fund primarily caters to individual developers and small, first-time teams, Blue Ocean Games has plans to eventually extend its support to larger, more seasoned teams in subsequent fund cycles.