Blue Ocean Games Indie Fund Launches With Game-Changing Support

Indie devs, it’s your time to shine. Blue Ocean Games just dropped the mic (and a fat stack of cash) with the launch of a $30 million fund aimed squarely at supporting indie game creators. Backed entirely by PUBG publisher Krafton, this fund is about to make some serious waves in the development scene—hence the appropriately titled “Rising Tide” challenge.

Let’s break down how this is more than just another funding pitch—it’s a whole new ecosystem.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Devs

The Rising Tide challenge isn’t your average pitch competition. This is Blue Ocean Games’ plan to invest in about 100 indie teams over the next three years. Yes, one hundred. That’s a lot of potential pixelated dreams coming to life.

Each chosen developer can get up to $300,000 in early-stage funding, paid out over two years. But here’s the kicker: they’re not just throwing money around. Developers will need to hit market validation milestones—no vague, corporate nonsense checkpoints. Just real-world traction that proves your game is worth the hype.

And no, they’re not trying to steal your baby. You keep your IP.

What Makes SAIL Different?

SAIL—aka Structured Agreement for Indie Launch—is Blue Ocean Games’ fresh take on how indie game funding should work. And for once, it actually sounds fair.

Here’s what’s on the table:

• Hybrid equity + revenue-sharing deal that still lets you own your IP.
• Bookkeeping, mentorship, and incorporation help included.
• Milestones based on actual player validation, not someone’s “gut feeling.”

Translation? You don’t have to sell your soul—or your studio’s vision—to get some backing.

It All Starts May 1

In collaboration with Global Game Jam, the Rising Tide challenge is set to launch on May 1, 2025. Devs will submit concept trailers, and the winners get fast-tracked into the funding process. Think of it like Shark Tank but with fewer suits and more pixel art.

Blue Ocean Games is based out of Toronto (with some love from the Canadian Embassy and Toronto Global), and they’re clearly here to rewrite how indie publishing works. No gatekeeping. No outdated business models. Just funding, feedback, and a chance to get your game out there.

Final Thoughts: Floodgates Open

With Krafton’s support and Blue Ocean Games’ unique approach, this fund could seriously shake up the indie game landscape. If you’ve got a vision, a pitch, and a trailer that slaps, this might be your shot.

May 1 is coming fast. Devs, start building—and maybe brush off your elevator pitch while you’re at it.