From June 26th to 28th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency teamed up with Google Play Indie Games Group (IGG) Korea to host the '2026 Seoul Indie Game Development Challenge' at the DDP Igansumun Exhibition Hall.

Forty-six developers across 11 selected teams took on the challenge. The developers spent 48 hours crafting titles centered around five core keywords: Seoul, Old Palace, School, Repetition, and Cooperation.

NC AI stepped in as a sponsor, offering the developers expert guidance on using the VARCO AI generative platform, while also providing VARCO AI credits to use throughout the event.

On June 28th, the final day, the 11 teams unveiled their prototypes. The schedule included peer voting, where participants played each other's games and shared feedback, followed by an IR investment session. Major domestic venture capital (VC) firms and publishers were in attendance to hear pitches from seven of the teams.

The 11 indie prototypes will receive follow-up support from the SBA and global sponsors. The first perk is a spot in the Seoul Game Pavilion at 'GES 2026', Seoul's largest gaming and e-sports festival, which takes place at DDP this September.

Google Play Indie Games Group (IGG) Korea is offering exhibition space in the IGG pavilion at BIC 2026 and the chance to be nominated for the Google Awards.

Smilegate plans to provide further support by hosting user polls and feedback sessions on the Stove platform, along with assistance for turning these prototypes into full-fledged commercial titles.

Tumblbug offered one-on-one funding guidance to all participants and is backing the teams with marketing support valued at 2 million KRW.

Moon Koo-sun, head of the Creative Industry Division at the Seoul Business Agency, noted, "I was deeply moved by the tenacity of the developers who poured their passion into creating unique games capturing the essence of Seoul over three days." Moon Koo-sun added, "We are committed to providing continuous support for commercialization, ensuring the infinite potential of these indie games shines on the global stage."