Blue Ocean Games, a venture fund backed by South Korean gaming giant Krafton Inc., has launched a $30 million fund to support indie game developers globally, with a strong focus on emerging talent from India.
Founded by Damian Lee, former head of investments at Krafton, the fund aims to back 100 developers over the next three years.
It introduces a custom investment model called the Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (Sail), offering capital at the concept stage—before developers even have a playable build. Each developer can access $100,000 in funding, with teams eligible for up to $300,000, disbursed over two years.
“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,” said Lee, founder and managing partner of Blue Ocean Games. “We are particularly excited about the immense creative potential and innovative concepts emerging from India, which possess both local relevance and global appeal.”
Under the Sail model, developers retain full ownership of their intellectual property. The structure includes a hybrid equity and revenue-sharing agreement, designed to balance developer control with investor returns.
“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,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India.
Beyond financing, the fund will also offer practical support such as incorporation assistance, bookkeeping, and mentorship from industry veterans. Developers will be grouped into cohorts to foster community-building and shared learning, it said.
While the current fund is optimised for solo developers and small, first-time teams, Blue Ocean Games plans to extend support to larger and more experienced teams through future funds.
Founded by Damian Lee, former head of investments at Krafton, the fund aims to back 100 developers over the next three years.
It introduces a custom investment model called the Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (Sail), offering capital at the concept stage—before developers even have a playable build. Each developer can access $100,000 in funding, with teams eligible for up to $300,000, disbursed over two years.
“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,” said Lee, founder and managing partner of Blue Ocean Games. “We are particularly excited about the immense creative potential and innovative concepts emerging from India, which possess both local relevance and global appeal.”
Under the Sail model, developers retain full ownership of their intellectual property. The structure includes a hybrid equity and revenue-sharing agreement, designed to balance developer control with investor returns.
“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,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India.
Beyond financing, the fund will also offer practical support such as incorporation assistance, bookkeeping, and mentorship from industry veterans. Developers will be grouped into cohorts to foster community-building and shared learning, it said.
While the current fund is optimised for solo developers and small, first-time teams, Blue Ocean Games plans to extend support to larger and more experienced teams through future funds.
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