Blue Ocean Games, an early-stage venture firm backed by KRAFTON, the publisher of PUBG and inZoi, announced the launch of its $30 million fund to support early-stage indie game development worldwide.
The Toronto-headquartered fund, founded by Damian Lee, former Head of Investments at KRAFTON, aims to support up to 100 developers over the next three years.
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.
The fund also provides objective, market-validation milestones rather than subjective checkpoints, hybrid equity and revenue share agreements that balance developer control with investor returns and developer retention of IP ownership.
The initiative will provide capital and operational support to creators at the concept stage, with particular interest in India’s fast-growing game development ecosystem. 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.
“There is a structural problem in the indie game industry worldwide where the gap between what investors fund, what developers dream of creating, and what players crave has grown too wide. We want to provide accessible pathways for developers of all backgrounds, whether they are self-taught creators with a unique vision, or small teams making their first or second game. We are particularly excited about the immense creative potential and innovative concepts emerging from India, which possess both local relevance and global appeal,” said Damian Lee, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Ocean Games.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, said, “India is a powerhouse of creativity and technical skill, yet many brilliant ideas struggle to find early support. Blue Ocean Games introduces a forward-thinking investment model that gives indie developers critical financial backing at the earliest stages. By enabling creators to pursue bold ideas while retaining ownership and creative control, it lays the foundation for sustainable success. We’re excited to support this initiative and look forward to the incredible games that will emerge from it.”
Central to Blue Ocean Games’ talent discovery approach is “Rising Tide,” a new, ongoing series of online competitions and challenges designed to help developers from all backgrounds and locations 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.
The competition is open to developers worldwide. Blue Ocean Games hopes that robust participation from India will enable the formation of a dedicated India track to spotlight emerging local talent.
“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,” explained Lee.
