Korean Government Supports Indie Game Development, Says Neowiz Co-CEO

According to Sean Kim, co-CEO of Neowiz, the developer behind Lies of P, the South Korean government is actively promoting the growth of the country's independent game development scene. In a recent interview, Kim noted a significant rise in the number of independent developers in the region, with many major publishers now looking to invest in and publish games from indie studios. However, Kim also stated that funding for these studios has become more challenging to secure in recent years, with investors adopting a more conservative approach. The Korean government's support has led to an increase in the number of indie developers, with many young and talented developers emerging in the country. Additionally, mid-sized and large Korean publishers are shifting their focus towards the PC and console market, as the mobile gaming market becomes increasingly saturated. Neowiz, having transitioned its focus from mobile and online titles to single-player premium games on console and PC, is adopting a multi-faceted strategy, including the development of first-party titles, such as a sequel to Lies of P, and collaborations with external studios like Wolfeye Studios and Zakazane Studio. Kim emphasized the importance of partnering with external studios to reduce the company's vulnerability to changes in the market, aiming to publish at least two titles annually. Neowiz is also seeking to establish partnerships with foreign companies, particularly in China, where it sees significant potential for growth. The company has already invested in several studios, including a $17 million investment in Polish developer Blank Game Studios, and has signed publishing deals with Zakazane and WolfEye. Lies of P, released in September 2023, has attracted over seven million players and sold more than three million copies, demonstrating the potential for success in the indie game development market.