Pearl Abyss to Support Global Expansion of 56 Indie Game Studios

[Financial News] Pearl Abyss will support the overseas expansion of 56 indie game studios through its 'BIGEM' program, which helps promising Korean indie games enter global markets.
According to industry sources on the 21st, 44 indie game studios have entered the global stage through Pearl Abyss's BIGEM program over the past four years, while 12 additional companies were selected for the fifth cohort this year.
BIGEM is a global marketing support program that Pearl Abyss has jointly operated since 2022 with the Game Culture Foundation, Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency, and BIC Festival Organizing Committee.
The program supports developers whose games are selected as outstanding BIC entries by providing exhibition booth operations at overseas game shows, airfare and accommodations, local marketing promotions, and business networking with overseas buyers and investors. It helps them assess global player responses and find pathways into overseas markets.
From the first cohort in 2022 through the fourth cohort last year, the program helped 44 indie game studios participate in major global game shows, including Japan's BitSummit and gamescom asia. It received a high satisfaction rating of 4.85 out of 5 in a survey of participating companies.
The program also generated tangible business results. Following their participation in BIGEM, there were 30 instances of Steam wishlist growth, 20 instances of exposure in overseas media and by influencers, 19 follow-up meetings with publishers and platforms, nine publishing contract or collaboration discussions, and nine investment meetings.
The participating games also posted notable award records. The Devil Within: Satgat (2023), Terminus: Zombie Survivors (2024), and Shape of Dreams (2025) won the Indie Game Award at the Korea Game Awards for three consecutive years. At gamescom asia, an international event, Light Odyssey (2023), Nientum - Op.ZERO (2024), and BLACKOUT: Zero Point (2025) also won awards for three consecutive years.
Pearl Abyss newly selected 12 companies for the fifth BIGEM cohort this year. The selected indie game studios will participate in Japan's BitSummit and gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show, where they will meet global players and buyers and explore opportunities to enter overseas markets.
A Pearl Abyss representative said, "We will continue to discover and support promising Korean indie games, broaden the diversity of the Korean game industry, and contribute to building a sustainable game ecosystem."
[email protected] Jang Min-kwon Reporter