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| (Image Source: VentureBeat/Blue Ocean Games) |
Blue Ocean Games recently announced the launch of its US$30M (30 million US dollars) fund with a mission to transform early-stage indie game development. Founded by Damian Lee who is a former Head of Investments at KRAFTON Inc. (parent company of PUBG Studios, Unknown Worlds, and others), Blue Ocean Games aims to discover and empower promising indie developers who fall outside traditional investment criteria. Through its unique funding model backed by KRAFTON, Blue Ocean Games creates pathways for groundbreaking game concepts that might otherwise never reach players.
“There is a structural problem in the indie game industry where the gap between what investors are willing to fund, what developers dream of creating, and what players crave has grown too wide. Beyond simply filling a funding gap, we are trying to reimagine the ecosystem itself. By aligning player demand with developer passion through community validation and reliable funding, our goal is to create an environment where mutual benefits naturally drive success and growth. This isn't just about picking winners; it's about expanding the playing field so that more visions can become reality,” said Lee. The fund employs a distinctive investment instrument called SAIL (Structured Agreement for Indie Launch) which provides developers with investment at the concept stage before the first playable build; funding of $100,000 per developer (up to $300,000 per team), disbursed over two years; objective, market-validation milestones rather than subjective checkpoints; hybrid equity and revenue share agreement that balances developer control with investor returns; and developer retention of IP ownership.
The fund will also provide practical support beyond financing including incorporation assistance, bookkeeping services, and mentorship from industry veterans. Developers will be grouped in cohorts, creating a collaborative community that can share knowledge and resources. While the inaugural fund is currently optimized for solo developers and smaller teams who are first-time founders, the company plans to expand support to include larger, more experienced teams in the future through subsequent funds. “At KRAFTON, we believe that innovation in the games industry often comes from the indie community, yet early-stage funding is one of the biggest challenges for new developers. Blue Ocean Games offers indie developers a forward-thinking model that provides critical financial support that fosters a sustainable path to success. We’re looking forward to working closely with them and seeing the incredible games that emerge from the program,” said KRAFTON Inc. Head of Corporate Development Maria Park. Central to Blue Ocean Games’ talent discovery approach is “Rising Tide”, a new, ongoing series of online competitions and challenges designed to help developers validate ideas, gain recognition, and advance their projects — whether or not they seek funding. The first Rising Tide challenge will launch on May 1, 2025, in partnership with Global Game Jam, with applications for direct funding opening simultaneously.
Lee explained, “Rising Tide is an idea proving ground for game developers at every stage and from every background. It's a great opportunity to validate ideas and gain the confidence needed to dedicate more time and resources to a project. Participants can pursue funding if they choose, but there's no obligation. By supporting developers at the concept stage with validation and potential funding, we are not just investing in games — we're investing in the future of the industry and the next generation of creative talent.” Indie developers worldwide interested in participating in Rising Tide or seeking funding through Blue Ocean Games are encouraged to visit http://www.blueoceangames.com/.
