TORONTO, Canada – August 6, 2025 – Blue Ocean Games, the early-stage venture fund backed by KRAFTON, Inc., today announced the launch of Rising Tide #2, the second installment of its groundbreaking competition series designed to discover and fund the next generation of indie game creators. Following the success of Rising Tide #1 that has already led to investment offers for six promising projects, including Terra Factoria, Rising Tide #2 introduces two distinct submission tracks, “In-Development” and “Idea-Only”, as well as new submission formats and prize opportunities tailored to creators at different stages of development.
“Rising Tide is about funding game creators at the earliest stages and pairing their ideas with real market validation through public voting,” said Damian Lee, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Ocean Games. “By introducing two tracks and a more dynamic submission process, we’re making it easier than ever for creators to share their visions, gain recognition, and potentially secure funding to bring their games to life.”
In-Development Track: Designed for indie developers actively working on a game. The top 10 public vote winners and a selection of judges’ picks will each receive cash prizes ($1,000 for the top public vote winner; $100 for the remaining winners) and be invited to pitch Blue Ocean Games for up to $300,000 in funding under the company’s SAIL (Structured Agreement for Indie Launch) contract.
Idea-Only Track: A brand-new initiative for creators with game concepts but no development experience. Winners will receive $1,000 for Blue Ocean Games to option their idea for 12 months. If BOG secures a development partner, the creator will receive $25,000 for the IP and may be offered a role as a creative advisor with potential equity in the new studio. This track aims to broaden participation beyond traditional developers, welcoming artists, filmmakers, storytellers, and gamers with innovative ideas.
Building on insights from Rising Tide #1, participants will now submit two videos—a one-minute teaser trailer and a 15-second vertical “hook” video optimized for social media engagement. Blue Ocean Games will also introduce a refined voting system designed to improve the experience for voters and participants, as well as a new feature that allows voters to provide feedback directly to creators.
Blue Ocean Games is committed to reimagining how early-stage game concepts are discovered, validated, and funded. Its SAIL investment model provides up to $300,000 per team, with funding tied to objective, market-validation milestones rather than subjective checkpoints, while ensuring developers retain IP ownership.
“The new Idea-Only track takes inspiration from the way scripts are optioned in film and television,” said Lee. “We’re hoping to open the door to people who may have never touched a game engine, but have powerful stories or innovative game ideas they want to see made. All you need to submit is two short videos showcasing your idea and a document describing it."
Murray Smith, the solo developer behind Terra Factoria, said: “Finding funding for games can feel like a catch-22—you need a demo to secure funding, but you need funding to make a demo. Blue Ocean Games is breaking that cycle and opening doors for developers like me to bring our ideas to life.”
Blue Ocean Games plans to continue refining Rising Tide based on community feedback, with the long-term goal of making it a cornerstone platform for discovering groundbreaking indie games and helping them reach players worldwide.
Submissions for Rising Tide #2 are now open. Indie developers and aspiring creators worldwide can learn more about the program by joining the Discord community at https://discord.gg/F7dKGNRTc2 and apply by visiting www.blueoceangames.com.
About Blue Ocean Games
Blue Ocean Games is an early-stage venture fund dedicated to supporting the next generation of indie game developers. Backed by KRAFTON, Inc., BOG invests in innovative game concepts that traditional publishers and investors often overlook. Through its unique SAIL investment model, BOG funds creators at the concept stage while helping them retain IP ownership. The fund also provides practical support, including incorporation assistance, bookkeeping, and mentorship from industry veterans. Blue Ocean Games was founded by former KRAFTON investment head Damian Lee and is headquartered in Toronto.
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