Issue Focus

Starting in 2025, the South Korean government will allocate KRW 15.5 billion to support the development of domestic console games. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced on the 28th that the 2025 budget has been approved by the Cabinet, amounting to KRW 7.1214 trillion. Of this, KRW 1.2995 trillion is earmarked for content sectors, including gaming, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
A significant portion of this budget is dedicated to console games, nearly doubling to KRW 15.5 billion from the previous year's KRW 8.7 billion. This increased funding aims to bolster the relatively underdeveloped domestic market for console games, supporting both their development and marketing efforts.
MCST's five-year comprehensive plan for game industry promotion, unveiled in May, underlines the commitment to fostering local console game development. The ministry intends to collaborate with key platforms like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo to identify and promote promising games. Additionally, mentorship programs involving industry-leading console game companies will be established, alongside initiatives that provide early access to gamers and marketing support for potential hits yet to secure major platform partnerships.