Blue Ocean Games, a new venture fund backed by South Korean gaming powerhouse Krafton Inc., has announced the launch of a $30 million fund aimed at empowering indie game developers around the world — with a special emphasis on nurturing emerging talent from India.
Founded by Damian Lee, the former Head of Investments at Krafton, Blue Ocean Games is setting an ambitious goal: to back 100 developers over the next three years. At the heart of its approach is a unique investment model called the Structured Agreement for Indie Launch (SAIL), which breaks away from traditional investment methods to provide critical early-stage support to promising creators.
Unlike conventional funding that typically requires developers to have a playable build or a near-finished prototype, the SAIL model is designed to inject capital at the concept stage. This allows developers to bring their vision to life without the early pressure of demonstrating a market-ready product. Under this model, individual developers can access up to $100,000 in funding, while small teams can qualify for up to $300,000 over a two-year period.
“We want to provide accessible pathways for developers of all backgrounds — whether they are self-taught creators with a unique vision or small studios working on their first or second game,” said Damian Lee, Founder and Managing Partner at 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.”
India’s gaming industry has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, fueled by a new generation of developers who are blending creativity, technical expertise, and cultural storytelling in unique ways. However, many of these talented individuals and teams often face significant barriers when it comes to securing early-stage funding. Blue Ocean Games aims to bridge this gap.
“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, empowering them to focus on building their best work without compromising their vision.”
One of the most developer-friendly aspects of the SAIL model is that it allows creators to retain full ownership of their intellectual property (IP). This is a significant departure from traditional publishing or venture models that often demand control over the IP. The SAIL structure instead employs a hybrid agreement that combines equity with revenue sharing, balancing developer independence with reasonable investor returns.
By reimagining how early-stage investments are structured and distributed, Blue Ocean Games hopes to unleash a new wave of innovation in the global indie gaming scene, starting with markets like India where talent is abundant but opportunities are still catching up.
With the fund now active, Blue Ocean Games invites developers from all backgrounds — from solo creators to small teams — to submit their ideas and become part of a global movement that puts the power back in the hands of those who create.
