The Busan Indie Connect Festival Organizing Committee (BIC Organizing Committee) has announced that the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026 (BIC 2026) achieved its largest exhibition scale and highest visitor count to date.

Celebrating its 12th anniversary, BIC 2026 showcased 332 titles from 42 countries. The event attracted 42,249 offline visitors, a 10.4% increase from the previous year, with both 'blind' and 'early bird' tickets selling out well ahead of the event.

Running under the slogan 'Buff Your Indie Spirit,' the event focused on strengthening business networks and enhancing the visitor experience through interactive displays.

During Business Day on the 14th, the business lounge—powered by the 'MeetToMatch' system—saw every meeting room and table fully booked throughout the entire day.

The Busan Indie Wave Conference featured industry luminaries such as Nexon Games Division Director Kim Yong-ha, Godot Engine co-founder Ariel Manzur, and Sony Interactive Entertainment's Shuhei Yoshida. The 'Buff Stage' also hosted the unveiling of the 12 titles selected for the 5th cohort of the 'BIGEM' global expansion program.

The B2C exhibition was meticulously curated by development stage, allowing both hardcore indie fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the creation process. Highlights included 'Behind Indie,' which spotlighted the creative journey, a 'Developer’s Wall' showcasing concept art, and an exploration-themed mission program titled 'Buff Tracker.'

At the awards ceremony, the 'Grand Prix'—the highest honour in the general category—was awarded to 'GARBAGE COUNTRY,' while 'Yūrei' took home the 'Rising Star' award for the rookie category. Winners will receive cash prizes and support for exhibition booths in the coming year.

The event also featured the BIC X Google Play Indie Fest Awards, initiatives like 'Prime Indie' to attract talented developers, YouTube Playables marketing channel introductions, and an FGT lounge.

Joo Sung-pil, head of the BIC Organizing Committee, stated, "BIC has spent this year charging ahead without fear of new attempts or change," adding, "While not every change leads to success, what the committee fears most is the stagnation of not trying at all."

Joo continued, "Attempting change is always the right path, and we at BIC will continue to uphold the indie spirit. We look forward to reuniting with creators from across the globe next year with an even more refined event."

Meanwhile, the online exhibition will continue until August 28. BIC official website. You can freely explore all award-winning titles and the entire exhibition lineup there.