Smilegate Future Lab has announced the call for participants for its indie game creation contest, 'IndieGo,' which features a total prize pool of 10 million KRW. On March 19, Future Lab announced the start of recruitment for the contest, which aims to discover early-stage indie game development teams with high potential. Now in its fifth year, IndieGo focuses on realizing the value of a virtuous cycle of support through the encouragement of senior creators.

The contest is open to development teams currently working on PC or mobile indie games. Any team that has not yet signed a publishing contract is eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted via the 'IndieLog' website, and the submission period runs until the 12th of next month. Future Lab plans to select a total of seven teams, with judging based primarily on the fun and originality of the games.

The winning teams will be awarded a total of 10 million KRW in prize money. Additionally, they will be given the opportunity to participate in the 18th batch of the Smilegate Membership (SGM), an indie game incubation program. Regardless of whether they win, all applicants will receive 1-on-1 mentoring from industry experts, and an event will be held for all creators to enjoy together.

A key feature of IndieGo is that the prize money is raised through voluntary donations from past Smilegate Membership alumni teams. For five years, over 18 teams have participated in these donations, creating a structure where senior creators provide opportunities for their juniors.

This year, Cassel Games (SGM 11th), Indigo Blue (SGM 11th), and Lizard Smoothie (SGM 16th) participated in raising the prize fund. Future Lab plans to award the 'Cassel Games Prize,' 'Lizard Smoothie Prize,' and 'Indigo Blue Prize' named after these teams. Oh Sook-hyun, head of Smilegate Future Lab, stated, "IndieGo is a contest where indie game creators support and lead each other to grow together," adding, "We hope that the support from senior creators will serve as a stepping stone for more creative teams to showcase their own games to the world."