The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency are hosting the '2026 Seoul Indie Game Development Challenge', a three-day, no-sleep hackathon aimed at unearthing indie titles ready for launch. Mark your calendars for June 26th to 28th, as the event takes over the Igansumun Exhibition Hall at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

In a bid to provide comprehensive support, they’ve teamed up with global indie community IGG Korea—supported by Google Play—and Smilegate Stove to offer assistance in marketing, platform onboarding, and investment matching.

IGG Korea is stepping up with a seminar on 'AI-driven Game Development' to reflect the latest trends, while also facilitating Google Play-related marketing efforts. Meanwhile, Smilegate Stove will handle the onboarding of developed prototypes onto their platform and provide essential user feedback. For those looking to secure investment, they’re even running private IR sessions on the third day, matching teams with VCs and publishers based on prior demand surveys.

The challenge is open to indie dev teams of five or fewer, with a total of 10 teams to be selected. Notably, a dedicated slot has been reserved for a team from the Seoul Digitech High School, following a formal partnership between the school and the Seoul Business Agency.

Selected teams will receive full support to ensure developers can focus entirely on their projects for the duration. This includes a dedicated rest area and refreshments on the second floor, as well as free meals and shower facilities at nearby partner establishments. Looking beyond the event, participants will get exhibition space at the Seoul Game Alley during the 'Game & eSports Seoul (GES) 2026' later this year, along with bonus points for future residency applications at the Seoul Game Contents Center.

Applications are open until 5:00 PM on May 29th. Visit the official Seoul Business Agency website to submit your application form and portfolio.

Moon Gu-seon, Head of the Creative Industry Division at the Seoul Business Agency, noted, "This challenge is designed as an immersive, real-world stage where promising indie teams can polish their projects and leap toward commercialisation." He added, "We are committed to providing substantial support so that Seoul’s creative indie titles can use this event as a springboard to achieve commercial success and perhaps even reach a 'second peak' in the global market."