Blue Ocean Games fund has officially launched with an impressive $30 million investment pool aimed at empowering indie game developers worldwide. Founded by Damian Lee, the former investment head at KRAFTON, Blue Ocean Games stands out by not only providing capital but also offering a completely reimagined support structure. Backed by South Korean gaming titan KRAFTON Inc., famous for PUBG, the fund places a major focus on nurturing talent from emerging markets like India.
The innovative framework—Structured Agreement for Indie Launch—allows developers to access up to $300,000 without even having a playable version of their game. Funding decisions rely on market validation rather than internal opinions, ensuring that real player demand guides creative development. Importantly, developers retain full IP rights and participate in a hybrid revenue-sharing and equity model.
In addition to financial support, Blue Ocean Games offers operational assistance like incorporation help, bookkeeping services, and mentorship from industry veterans. The fund aims to empower 100 developers over three years, creating a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem through initiatives like “Rising Tide”—a global competition series starting May 1, 2025, in collaboration with Global Game Jam.
Founded in Toronto with help from Toronto Global and the Embassy of Canada to South Korea, Blue Ocean Games envisions funding “blue ocean” ideas—innovative and disruptive concepts ready to reshape the gaming industry.
1. Introduction to Blue Ocean Games Fund and Its Vision
Blue Ocean Games fund has set a groundbreaking new standard in the indie game development space. By directly targeting early-stage developers, especially from dynamic markets like India, it opens exciting opportunities for undiscovered talent.
Launched by Damian Lee, formerly of KRAFTON, this new venture provides not just funding but complete ecosystem support. Lee brings years of global investment expertise, having overseen massive success stories like PUBG under KRAFTON’s umbrella. With the active backing of KRAFTON Inc., Blue Ocean Games fund promises to nurture bold creativity and redefine gaming innovations.
1.1 Working Model and Revenue Structure
The Blue Ocean Games fund operates on the innovative SAIL investment model.
1.1.1 Developers can access between $100,000 to $300,000 over two years.
1.1.2 Importantly, this investment is awarded before building a playable prototype.
1.1.3 Funding milestones are tied to real market validation, not internal reviews.
1.1.4 Developers retain 100% intellectual property rights while engaging in hybrid equity and revenue-sharing arrangements.
This approach ensures alignment between what creators envision and what players truly want, building a strong foundation for sustainable success.
1.2 Background of Founders and Krafton’s Support
Damian Lee founded Blue Ocean Games with a bold vision. His experience leading investments at KRAFTON taught him the pitfalls developers face when navigating traditional venture capital systems.
Under his leadership, Blue Ocean Games fund has drawn substantial support from KRAFTON Inc., a company already celebrated for spotting and growing disruptive gaming ideas. KRAFTON’s investment reflects its belief in a diversified, global gaming future, especially across booming markets like India.
2. Funding Framework and Developer Services
2.1 SAIL – Structured Agreement for Indie Launch
The SAIL model introduced by Blue Ocean Games fund fundamentally changes indie investment norms.
2.1.1 Developers receive financial support early, empowering them to innovate fearlessly.
2.1.2 Milestones ensure focus remains on real-world demand.
2.1.3 By protecting IP ownership, SAIL encourages developers to dream big without losing control.
2.2 Services Beyond Capital
In addition to investment, Blue Ocean Games offers a full suite of services:
2.2.1 Incorporation Support: Helping developers establish their companies legally and efficiently.
2.2.2 Bookkeeping Services: Ensuring strong financial records from day one.
2.2.3 Mentorship Access: Connecting developers to seasoned gaming professionals worldwide.
These offerings ensure that financial support translates into business success.
3. The Mission Behind Blue Ocean Games
3.1 Addressing Structural Challenges
Damian Lee openly acknowledges a “structural problem” in today’s indie ecosystem. The mismatch between what investors fund, developers dream, and players crave has widened alarmingly.
Blue Ocean Games fund seeks to bridge that gap by providing patient capital, real-world validation methods, and unwavering creative support. The objective is to help developers dream bigger while staying closely connected to player preferences.
3.2 Special Focus on Emerging Markets like India
India’s rising technical prowess and creative energy have not gone unnoticed.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, emphasizes that many brilliant Indian developers lack early-stage funding opportunities. With the Blue Ocean Games fund, they can now receive critical backing, boosting India’s standing as a global innovation hub.
4. Launching “Rising Tide” to Validate and Celebrate Innovation
4.1 About Rising Tide
Blue Ocean Games fund also launches “Rising Tide,” an initiative designed to validate fresh ideas through global challenges.
4.1.1 The first competition will launch May 1, 2025, in partnership with Global Game Jam.
4.1.2 Rising Tide offers validation, visibility, and optional funding opportunities for developers at all stages.
4.2 Revolutionizing Early-Stage Game Development
By empowering creators even before funding discussions begin, Blue Ocean Games fund is fostering a culture of fearless experimentation and confident risk-taking.
5. Background Story: How Blue Ocean Games Came to Life
Founded in Toronto, Blue Ocean Games was built with significant help from Toronto Global and the Canadian Embassy in South Korea.
The mission was clear: find and fund “blue ocean” ideas that traditional investors often overlook. By combining international backing with a deep understanding of local needs, Blue Ocean Games fund stands poised to spark a new wave of indie innovation.
6. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
6.1 Early Validation Matters: Waiting for a finished product delays feedback. Early validation keeps you aligned with market needs.
6.2 Protect Your IP: Retaining control of your ideas ensures long-term benefits even after partnerships and funding rounds.
6.3 Community Over Competition: Building collaborative cohorts helps founders learn faster and reduce costly mistakes.
6.4 Look Beyond Local Markets: Global outlooks bring in bigger opportunities. Startups should think internationally from the beginning.
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