Blue Ocean Games, a new $30 million early-stage venture fund backed by PUBG maker Krafton, has launched with the aim of supporting 100 indie developers over the next three years.
The fund was established by Krafton’s former head of investments Damian Lee to “empower promising indie developers who fall outside traditional investment criteria.”
Blue Ocean said it will leverage a unique Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (SAIL) funding model to create pathways for game concepts that might never otherwise make it to market.
SAIL will enable Blue Ocean to provide investment at the concept stage—before a team has created a playable build—and financing of $100,000 developer (up to $300,000 per team) disbursed over two years.
In addition, partner developers will receive objective, market-validation milestones as opposed to subjective checkpoints; hybrid equity and revenue share agreements that balance “developer control with investor returns”; and full ownership of their IP.
The fund will also offer practical support including incorporation assistance, bookkeeping services, and mentorship from industry veterans. Successful applicants will be grouped into cohorts to create a “collaborative community that can share knowledge and resources.”
Blue Ocean Games focused on supporting Indies but could expand in the future
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The inaugural fund is specifically optimized for solo developers and smaller teams led by first-time founders, but Blue Ocean hopes to expand support to larger, more experienced teams in the future.
“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,” said Lee.
“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.”
Blue Ocean is hoping to discover new talent through “Rising Tide,” a new online competition series designed to help developers validate ideas, gain recognition, and advance their projects—irrespective of whether they choose to seek funding.
The first Rising Tide challenge is being hosted on May 1, 2025, in partnership with Global Game Jam. Applications for direct funding will open alongside the event.
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Those interested in learning more about Rising Tide or seeking funding through Blue Ocean Games can find out more here.