At a time when new U.S. tariffs are casting a shadow over international trade and cross-border investment, one Korean gaming company is delivering a message that cuts through the uncertainty: Toronto is still one of the best places in the world to build the future of gaming.
This week, Blue Ocean Games officially launched with a $30 million USD venture fund to back the next generation of indie game developers, operating from its new home base in Toronto. Backed by South Korea’s KRAFTON, Inc., the company behind global hits like PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, this investment is not just a win for game creators but a major vote of confidence in Toronto’s tech ecosystem, even as geopolitical headwinds grow stronger.
Founded by Damian Lee, former Head of Investments at KRAFTON, Blue Ocean Games aims to fund 100 indie developers over the next three years. Following the first three years, Blue Ocean Games has plans to launch a second, larger fund with a dedicated regional allocation.
Its unique investment model supports developers at the concept stage, before they have even built a demo, with funding, mentorship, and full IP ownership. The mission is to empower underrepresented creators and spark innovation that traditional investment channels might otherwise overlook.
“Toronto gives us the best of both worlds: the analytics talent we need to run a fund and one of the world’s deepest benches of creative indie developers to invest in. Ontario’s Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit also means we can invest in more teams,” said Damian Lee, CEO of Blue Ocean Games.
Connected through the Canadian Embassy in the Republic of Korea, our team worked closely with KRAFTON and Blue Ocean Games to help them navigate this move. “Toronto Global has been exceptionally proactive, quickly connecting us with key public‑sector bodies, leading educational institutions, and influential industry groups—support that’s been invaluable as we work to build a robust ecosystem around Blue Ocean Games,” said Lee.
The timing of this announcement is especially significant. In a climate where global expansion is becoming increasingly complex and many companies are hesitant to move across borders, Blue Ocean Games is taking a confident step forward. Rather than retreating in the face of economic uncertainty, it is embracing international collaboration and investing in long-term potential.
And that potential is substantial. Toronto has emerged as one of North America’s fastest-growing tech hubs, with over 400,000 tech workers in the region and more tech job growth than the San Francisco Bay Area between 2017 and 2022. It ranks among the top 10 global cities for video game development and is home to over 200 game studios including Ubisoft Toronto, Behaviour Interactive, and Digital Extremes. The city’s diverse talent pool, high-quality education system, and relative affordability make it a magnet for startups and global players alike. Toronto’s developers are world-class, and the ecosystem here is built to nurture long-term creativity.
Blue Ocean’s first initiative, Rising Tide, launches May 1 in partnership with Global Game Jam, offering developers worldwide a chance to validate ideas and access funding. In addition to capital, Blue Ocean is offering developers back-office support, legal help, and cohort-based mentorship, all designed to make game creation more accessible and sustainable.
The takeaway? While new trade policies may be reshaping the global economy, Toronto’s foundation as a center for tech innovation is stronger than ever. Companies like Blue Ocean Games are not just adapting; they are leaning into the regional strengths that are built to last.