KMGA Announces 4th Round Selections for 2026 Game AI Transformation Support Program

On September 23, 2026, the Korea Mobile Game Association (KMGA), in collaboration with the Korea Creative Content Agency and relevant industry associations, officially announced the selection results for the 4th recruitment cycle of the 2026 Game Production Environment AI Transformation (AX) Support Program. Following the submission deadline on September 21, approximately 70 game development studios and teams were approved, with small-scale 1- to 2-person indie outfits and early-stage startup ventures making up the vast majority of selected beneficiaries.

Image source: 한국모바일게임협회 / @lalalalarulu (X)

The national initiative aims to accelerate the practical adoption of generative artificial intelligence across domestic game studios and enhance their production competitiveness. Under the program, approved developers receive direct expense reimbursements for subscription and usage fees of verified AI solutions employed directly in game production and service operations, up to predetermined team-size limits.

Tiered Funding Limits and Residual Allocation Mechanics for Round 4

The 2026 Game AX Support Program operates under a tiered financial framework across total target allocations of up to 500 companies, spanning solo creators to small studios with under 50 employees. Grant caps are structured by applicant enterprise size, with 1- to 2-person indie teams and startups eligible for up to approximately 5,000,000 KRW in subsidies.

According to program guidelines, baseline quotas allocated for 1- to 2-person and 3- to 10-person teams had already experienced heavy competition during initial recruitment rounds. Consequently, subsequent cycles strictly applied residual budget allocation rules and required formal eligibility verification (such as Small and Medium Enterprise Certificates). Despite quota constraints, the vast majority of the approximately 70 teams selected in the 4th cohort were 1- to 2-person indie studios, underscoring intense demand for generative AI support among micro-tier creators.

Approved Catalog of 62 AI Services and Surcharge Copay Rules for Foreign Tools

Grant funding is not an unrestricted voucher for arbitrary software purchases; it is strictly restricted to the official 'Approved AI Solutions Catalog (September 2026 public notice revision, 62 designated tools)' attached to the program announcement.

The approved roster covers generative AI tools essential for game planning, asset generation, and development assistance, prominently featuring ChatGPT, Claude, Kling, Seedance, and other major platforms. Expense claims for unlisted platforms or private third-party proxy subscriptions are strictly disqualified from reimbursement.

Subsidy reimbursement rates are divided based on tool origin and tax regulations:

• Domestic AI Solutions: 100% of supply price reimbursed (excluding 10% VAT)
• Foreign AI Solutions: 90% of total payment reimbursed (10% developer copay required)
• VAT Responsibility: 10% value-added tax is entirely the developer's responsibility regardless of tool origin

For instance, a monthly subscription to a foreign AI tool costing $100 will see 90% of its base cost refunded, while the remaining 10% copay and applicable VAT must be borne directly by the developer.

Post-Reimbursement Workflow and Restrictions on Non-Development Expenses

The program is structured as a post-payment reimbursement model rather than an upfront cash grant or open prepaid card. Beneficiaries must first enter into an official agreement and subsequently submit verifiable payment proof to receive reimbursement.

• No Retroactive Coverage Prior to Agreement: Expenses incurred prior to the announcement or official agreement execution date are strictly ineligible. Only payments made between the official agreement start date and the program conclusion date (November 30, 2026) qualify.
• Proof of Payment & Usage Documentation: Selected studios must submit payment receipts, transaction proof, and documentation showing how the tools were utilized in game development through the official portal to clear settlement audits.
• Non-Development Expense Prohibition: Grants are strictly reserved for direct game development and live operations. Expenses incurred for general administrative tasks, YouTube marketing, advertising campaigns, or unrelated content production will be entirely rejected during expenditure reviews.

KMGA will individually notify selected development teams regarding formal agreement signing schedules and document submission procedures, alongside official settlement guidelines.

Sources

• KMGA AX Support Program Notice: 2026 Game Production Environment AI Transformation (AX) Support Announcement
• KMGA Official Portal: 2026 Game Production Environment AX Support Project
• Beneficiary Selection Post (@lalalalarulu): X 2026-09-23 4th Round Selection Post