In a bold move set to shake up the indie game development scene, Blue Ocean Games has launched a $30 million USD investment fund aimed at empowering early-stage developers from around the world. Founded by Damian Lee, former Head of Investments at KRAFTON, Inc.—publisher of PUBG and other globally renowned titles—the new fund seeks to bridge the gap between creative passion and financial feasibility that so often limits innovation in the indie space.
“There is a structural problem in the indie game industry,” said Lee. “The gap between investor interests, developer passion, and player demand has grown too wide.”
Backed by KRAFTON, the fund introduces a radically inclusive model that focuses on community validation rather than rigid commercial expectations. It aims to identify and support developers whose projects may otherwise be overlooked by traditional funding pipelines.
The SAIL Model: A New Kind of Funding Agreement
Blue Ocean Games is pioneering a funding framework called SAIL (Structured Agreement for Indie Launch), which is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of solo creators and small teams. Key features of the model include:
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Funding at the concept stage—before a playable build exists
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$100,000 to $300,000 per developer/team, disbursed over two years
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Objective, market-validation milestones instead of arbitrary checkpoints
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A hybrid equity and revenue share structure, giving developers access to capital without sacrificing control
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Developers retain full ownership of their intellectual property (IP)
The initiative also offers practical services like incorporation assistance, bookkeeping, and mentorship from industry veterans, all organized in collaborative cohorts to foster community and shared learning.
Rising Tide: Global Opportunity for New Voices
The centerpiece of Blue Ocean’s talent-scouting strategy is the “Rising Tide” competition series, designed to unearth creative talent from across the globe. Launching on May 1, 2025, in collaboration with Global Game Jam, the competition invites developers to submit game ideas for feedback, visibility, and potential funding.
“Rising Tide is an idea proving ground,” Lee explained. “It’s an open opportunity for developers from any background or level to gain confidence and get recognition—whether or not they seek funding.”
The first event will require participants to submit a Game Concept Trailer, showcasing their idea using in-engine footage. The top 20 entries will be fast-tracked for potential investment consideration and access to the SAIL funding model.
A Future Built on Inclusion and Innovation
Currently optimized for first-time founders and small teams, Blue Ocean Games plans to scale its model to accommodate larger, more experienced developers through future funds. The company is based in Toronto, with strategic support from Toronto Global and the Embassy of Canada to South Korea, signaling an international commitment to reshaping how the games industry identifies and nurtures talent.
Developers who are interested in participating in Rising Tide or applying for direct funding can visit www.blueoceangames.com to learn more.
By blending financial support, community validation, and mentorship, Blue Ocean Games is not only investing in promising games—it's investing in the future of the indie games industry itself.