In a big boost for indie game developers around the world, Blue Ocean Games — a venture fund backed by South Korean gaming giant Krafton Inc. — has announced a brand-new $30 million fund. What’s exciting? They’re placing a special focus on discovering and supporting emerging talent from India.

Founded by Damian Lee, the former head of investments at Krafton, Blue Ocean Games isn’t just throwing money around. Their mission is clear: over the next three years, they aim to empower 100 indie developers, giving creative minds the support they often struggle to find at the earliest stages of building a game.

At the heart of this initiative is their new investment approach called the Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (SAIL). Unlike traditional funding models, SAIL steps in right at the concept stage — before there’s even a playable version. Developers can access $100,000 upfront, and teams could receive up to $300,000 over two years to bring their visions to life.

One of the standout aspects of the SAIL model is that developers keep full ownership of their intellectual property. Instead of heavy-handed control, Blue Ocean Games structures its support around a mix of equity and revenue-sharing, creating a balance that respects creators’ autonomy while ensuring sustainable returns for investors.

“India is a powerhouse of creativity and technical skill, yet many brilliant ideas struggle to find early support,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India. “Blue Ocean Games introduces a forward-thinking investment model that gives indie developers critical financial backing at the earliest stages.”

But it’s not just about writing checks. Blue Ocean Games plans to offer hands-on support — from helping developers set up their companies and handle bookkeeping, to providing mentorship from seasoned industry veterans. Developers will also be grouped into cohorts, encouraging collaboration, community-building, and shared learning among the next generation of game makers.

While this fund is primarily geared toward solo developers and small, first-time teams, Blue Ocean Games isn’t stopping there. Future funds are already in the works to extend their reach to larger and more experienced studios.

For many indie creators who have long struggled to get a foot in the door, this could be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for — a real chance to dream bigger, start sooner, and sail farther.