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Indie devs, it’s your time to shine. Blue Ocean Games just dropped the mic (and a fat stack of cash) with the launch of a $30 million fund aimed squarely at supporting indie game creators. Backed entirely by PUBG publisher Krafton, this fund is about to make some serious waves in the development scene—hence the appropriately titled “Rising Tide” challenge.
Let’s break down how this is more than just another funding pitch—it’s a whole new ecosystem.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Devs
The Rising Tide challenge isn’t your average pitch competition. This is Blue Ocean Games’ plan to invest in about 100 indie teams over the next three years. Yes, one hundred. That’s a lot of potential pixelated dreams coming to life.
Each chosen developer can get up to $300,000 in early-stage funding, paid out over two years. But here’s the kicker: they’re not just throwing money around. Developers will need to hit market validation milestones—no vague, corporate nonsense checkpoints. Just real-world traction that proves your game is worth the hype.
And no, they’re not trying to steal your baby. You keep your IP.
What Makes SAIL Different?
SAIL—aka Structured Agreement for Indie Launch—is Blue Ocean Games’ fresh take on how indie game funding should work. And for once, it actually sounds fair.
Here’s what’s on the table:
- Hybrid equity + revenue-sharing deal that still lets you own your IP.
- Bookkeeping, mentorship, and incorporation help included.
- Milestones based on actual player validation, not someone’s “gut feeling.”
Translation? You don’t have to sell your soul—or your studio’s vision—to get some backing.
It All Starts May 1
In collaboration with Global Game Jam, the Rising Tide challenge is set to launch on May 1, 2025. Devs will submit concept trailers, and the winners get fast-tracked into the funding process. Think of it like Shark Tank but with fewer suits and more pixel art.
Blue Ocean Games is based out of Toronto (with some love from the Canadian Embassy and Toronto Global), and they’re clearly here to rewrite how indie publishing works. No gatekeeping. No outdated business models. Just funding, feedback, and a chance to get your game out there.
Final Thoughts: Floodgates Open
With Krafton’s support and Blue Ocean Games’ unique approach, this fund could seriously shake up the indie game landscape. If you’ve got a vision, a pitch, and a trailer that slaps, this might be your shot.
May 1 is coming fast. Devs, start building—and maybe brush off your elevator pitch while you’re at it.
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TODAY'S BEST
Dream (but realistic) trade targets for every MLB team this offseason
Every MLB offseason brings its share of blockbuster rumors and bold predictions, but some trade ideas actually make sense — for both sides. With free agency about to heat up and front offices reshaping rosters for 2026, Yardbarker MLB writers looked at one dream (but still realistic) trade target for every MLB team. From contenders looking for that final piece to rebuilders seeking a spark, these hypothetical moves blend star power with plausibility. Here’s how all 30 teams could swing a deal that transforms their outlook heading into next season (2025 records in parentheses). AL East Baltimore Orioles (75-87) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: The Orioles traded for ace right-hander Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season, and that worked well. Why not try to employ the same strategy with Skubal, an ace in his own right, as Baltimore looks to bounce back from a last-place finish? Skubal’s elite 2.21 ERA in 2025 would be a perfect fit atop the rotation. Boston Red Sox (89-73) | 2B/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: It’s unclear whether prospect infielders Kristian Campbell or Marcelo Mayer are the answer up the middle, but there’s no doubt that Donovan would be an established upgrade over both. The 2025 All-Star would bring positional versatility and solid offensive production (.772 career OPS) to a lineup that had trouble scoring at times. New York Yankees (94-68) | 1B/OF Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: New York could lose outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in free agency, so the Yankees theoretically have both of Harper's positions to fill this winter. The veteran’s left-handed swing is made for the Yankee Stadium right-field short porch, which could help him improve upon a 2025 season in which he produced an .844 OPS, the lowest since his rookie season in 2012. Tampa Bay Rays (77-85) | LHP Mackenzie Gore, Washington Nationals: Typically, the Rays trade pitchers who are young but increasingly expensive (LHP Blake Snell, RHP Tyler Glasnow and RHP Chris Archer). This time, though, it could make sense for Tampa to swing for the fences with Gore, who boasts immense strikeout upside (10.4 K/9 in 2025) and is controllable through the 2028 season. The All-Star southpaw could also thrive in the team's analytics-driven pitching lab. Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) | RHP Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins: The Blue Jays nearly won the World Series, so they have a lot to look forward to. However, it wouldn’t hurt Toronto to replace members of its oldish rotation with someone like right-hander Ryan, whose 3.42 ERA in 30 starts with the Twins in 2025 should make him one of the top trade candidates of this offseason. — Seth Carlson AL West Athletics (76-86) | Infielder Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals: The A’s received virtually nothing from second and third in 2025. Former top prospect Zack Gelof should get another chance to prove himself, but the A’s do not have many options at third. Gorman, who hit 27 homers in 2023, may not cost much and could provide a respectable stopgap at the hot corner. Houston Astros (87-75) | IF/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: The Astros missed the postseason for the first time since 2016; the outfield was a key factor in that. Astros outfielders posted a .665 OPS, 25th in the majors. Donovan, who has predominantly played at second and left, would solve a black hole in the middle of the lineup and provide a needed left-handed hitter. Los Angeles Angels (72-90) | RHP Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds: The Angels and Reds line up perfectly as trade partners. The Angels have a logjam in the outfield with either Jo Adell or Taylor Ward expected to be traded during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Reds have plenty of pitching and need help in the outfield. Singer, who has one more year of team control left, would be the most likely Reds pitcher to be dealt. He would solidify the middle of L.A.'s rotation. Seattle Mariners (90-72) | 3B Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies: Because Eugenio Suarez is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Mariners will once again be looking for help at third. Bohm had been on the trading block during the 2024-25 offseason but remained in Philadelphia because no one would meet its price. Bohm hit just 11 homers and 18 doubles in 2025, crushing his trade value. Texas Rangers (81-81) | RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rangers should have a solid top of the rotation with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. However, neither pitcher is a paragon of health. Keller has thrown at least 159 innings in each of the past four seasons and is under team control through 2028. He would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. — David Hill AL Central Chicago White Sox (60-102) | 1B Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox: The rebuilding White Sox made progress in 2025 but have many holes remaining. Acquiring a player such as Casas could be a perfect buy-low option while improving the power for a team that ranked 23rd in the majors with 165 homers. Cleveland Guardians (88-74) | RHP Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins: The Guardians need help in the lineup, but several top prospects are expected to make an impact in 2026. The same cannot be said for the rotation that is lacking a top-of-the-rotation arm. Cabrera finally put everything together for the Marlins in 2025 and is under team control through 2028. Miami has pitching depth, so Cabrera could be available. Detroit Tigers (87-75) | 3B Josh Jung, Texas Rangers: The Tigers need a third baseman and Jung could be the answer. The 2023 All-Star has seen his star dim over the past two seasons as he battled injuries and contact woes. Jung may need a change of scenery and could be what the Tigers need to get his brother, Jace, to tap into his potential. Kansas City Royals (82-80) | OF Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox: The outfield was one of the worst in the majors in 2025, ranking 29th with a .633 OPS. Duran may not be the player he was in 2024, but his ability to drive the ball into the gaps, excellent speed and stellar defense would be a perfect fit in Kauffman Stadium. Minnesota Twins (70-92) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The rotation disappointed in 2025 and sorely needs an ace. The Twins began to dismantle the roster at the 2025 trade deadline, so it's unlikely that pitchers Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan will be with Minnesota in 2026. Both will be expensive. — David Hill NL West Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82) | RHP Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays: The Diamondbacks had issues with the bullpen throughout 2025 (27th in the league with a 4.82 ERA) and it will likely be a point of emphasis for the team this offseason. Fairbanks totaled 27 saves last season and pitched a career-high 60.1 innings. There is a club option for $11 million that the Rays will likely pick up only if they can trade him. At 32, Fairbanks might be worth it for one season in the desert. Colorado Rockies (43-119) | RHP Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers: It’s a new day in Denver with a new GM coming soon. Colorado desperately needs starting pitching, especially an ace. The Rockies have a crowded outfield in terms of proven players and prospects, so they could work a deal with Milwaukee, a team that they have traded with, and secure a big arm. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) | OF Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians: After a year in which the Dodgers had to overlook some deficiencies in the outfield with Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernandez, landing someone like Kwan makes sense for the two-time defending champions. Kwan doesn’t strike out much (only 8.7 percent of the time in 2025), something the Dodgers needed when their offense sputtered in the postseason. San Diego Padres (90-72) | RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins: Depending on what happens with pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, the Padres are going to need someone who can step in as a face of the rotation. Alcantara, 30, has a $19 million deal for 2026 and a $21 million team option for 2027, so he won’t come to San Diego cheap. However, the NL West will be another arms race in 2026, and Alcantara could be a fascinating addition for the Padres. San Francisco Giants (81-81) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: Adding a solid southpaw to the bullpen is rarely a bad move, and the 29-year-old Romero has been quietly building a reputation as one of the best lefties in the late innings. He’s controlled through arbitration through the 2026 campaign and has logged 57 holds over the past three seasons. Pitching is expected to be a priority for the Giants this offseason. — Kevin Henry NL East Atlanta Braves (76-86) | SS Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros: The former World Series MVP was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 2015 but chose not to sign. Perhaps a reunion is in order in Atlanta, which has desperately needed a true shortstop since the departure of Dansby Swanson during the 2022 offseason. The 28-year-old Pena was named an All-Star in 2025, batting .304 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games. Miami Marlins (79-83) | 1B/OF Alec Burleson, St. Louis Cardinals: Miami exceeded expectations in 2025 and, if they have a strong offseason, could be a sleeper contender for an NL wild-card spot in 2026. Before that happens, though, they must solve their first base conundrum by trading for Burleson, who can play there and in the outfield. Burleson, who will turn 27 on Nov. 25, posted a career-high .801 OPS with 18 homers and 69 RBI in 2025. New York Mets (83-79) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: Skubal, in line for his second straight AL Cy Young Award, would be a dream trade candidate for any team but especially owner Steve Cohen and the Mets. New York desperately needs a frontline starter after its pitching largely failed it in 2025. Philadelphia Phillies (96-66) | C Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: Longtime catcher J.T. Realmuto is a free agent and, despite entering his age-35 season in 2026, is expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. It’s clear the Phillies must get younger at the position, and acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick from Baltimore would be a solid way to secure their future at backstop and keep their competitive window open. Rutschman, who will turn 28 on Feb. 6, hasn't lived up to his draft pedigree but still has decent upside. Washington Nationals (66-96) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The Nationals are more than one piece from being competitive, so Washington’s focus should be who they can acquire in potential trades for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, 2B Luis Garcia Jr. and OF Robert Hassell III. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposed a wild divisional trade that would send Tong to the Nationals for Gore. — Lauren Amour NL Central Chicago Cubs (92-70) | RHP Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays: Chicago leaned heavily on veteran arms in its rotation, with 34-year-old Matthew Boyd anchoring the staff. Bieber, 30, joined the Blue Jays this season, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA and 1.017 WHIP. With Chicago expected to be a playoff-level team in 2026, Bieber could be another experienced arm to help with a deep postseason run. Cincinnati Reds (83-79) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: The Reds need reliable back-end bullpen arms, and Romero offers late-inning experience. He became the Cardinals’ closer after the team dealt Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets. In 2025, Romero posted a 2.07 ERA, a career best in the big leagues, in 61 innings. Milwaukee Brewers (97-65) | 1B Pete Alonso, New York Mets: Milwaukee's lineup struggled to produce consistent power in 2025, finishing 22nd in MLB with 166 home runs. Alonso, who launched 38 home runs — leading all first basemen — would be an immediate upgrade. He also hit .272 and drove in 126 runs, the second most in the majors. Andrew Vaughn filled the role well after being traded to Milwaukee midseason, but Alonso would be the definitive No. 1 option. Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91) | 2B Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays: The Pirates haven’t made much of a trade splash in recent offseasons, so dealing for a proven bat like Lowe would be smart. He hit .256 with 31 home runs in 2025, bringing power and veteran experience to a younger lineup. St. Louis Cardinals (78-84) | RHP Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres: The pitching staff lacked swing-and-miss stuff in 2025, finishing 29th in MLB in strikeouts. Cease delivered 215 strikeouts over 168 innings — sixth most in MLB — and led the majors with 11.52 strikeouts per nine innings. — Taylor Bretl
Five reasons why the Dodgers will three-peat as World Series champions
Game 7 of the World Series isn't even 24 hours old, and already the business of baseball has shifted to the 2026 season. Scores of players officially became free agents Sunday, while others are choosing whether to exercise or decline options for next season. But one thing is for sure: The Los Angeles Dodgers are the overwhelming favorite to win a third straight World Series. This might be obvious because the Dodgers will likely run MLB's highest payroll onto the field on Opening Day. But there is substance to go with the big bucks. Here are five reasons why the Dodgers will become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win three titles in a row: 1. The full Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani didn't make his season debut as a pitcher until June 16, 73 games into the Dodgers' season, following his second major elbow surgery. Since it was impossible to send him out on a rehab assignment without removing him from the MLB roster, he rehabbed his way back by slowly building up. Well, that won't be necessary in 2026. Ohtani will be a full go right from Opening Day. He pitched just 47 innings over 14 regular-season starts, but was under no limits in the postseason, as we saw with the right-hander starting Game 7 on three days' rest. During the regular season, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA with 1.7 walks and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings. 2. Starting rotation is stacked Ohtani probably won't even be the Dodgers' Opening Day starter, however. That honor should go to Yoshinobu Yamamoto following his World Series MVP performance. From there, the starting five will be Tyler Glasnow, two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. As always, health will be the key for the rotation, especially with Glasnow, but there is plenty in reserve in Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan, Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone. 3. Mookie Betts is completely healthy One reason the Dodgers finished with the third-best record in the NL this season was because of the health of shortstop Mookie Betts to begin the season. Betts had an undisclosed illness that took nearly 20 pounds off his already-slight 180-pound frame. He didn't hit above .258 in any month, with a low of .208 in July, before finally getting back on track in August and September. Betts finished with a slash line of .258/.326/.406 while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at short, but still short of his career slash line of .278/.363/.505. There is nothing more dangerous than a driven Betts, so he could put up big numbers in 2026. 4. Room for more players While some pending free agents — think Enrique Hernandez and Miguel Rojas — will return, the Dodgers may be making free-agent additions and even a trade or two as they shed some contracts this offseason. A big outfield bat would be the biggest priority, likely a left fielder. A wild card in the outfield scenario would be whether the Dodgers opt to play Ohtani in the outfield on occasion. Ohtani had played in just seven games in the outfield, all coming in 2021, when he was in right field for six games and left for one. This could allow Ohtani to DH on the day before and after he pitches and give the other veterans a chance to just hit when he plays the outfield. 5. Dave Roberts at the helm Managing a superstar-studded roster like the Dodgers takes a unique skillset, one that Dave Roberts has navigated pretty well in recent years. He now has three World Series rings in six years. Roberts has shown the ability to adjust to circumstances, like last year with a bullpen-centric pitching staff, to this year with the bullpen a liability and the rotation a strength. Also, his feel for the game was on display with the insertion of Rojas into the lineup for Games 6 and 7 and putting Andy Pages in for defense in the ninth inning of Game 7 before his amazing catch.
Vikings injury updates from KOC include news on Aaron Jones, Ryan Kelly
During his day-after-game press conference on Monday afternoon, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell provided injury updates on a variety of players, including the first news in a while on center Ryan Kelly. From an overall perspective, the Vikings emerged from Sunday's upset win in Detroit in very good health, which is encouraging as they head into the second half of the season. "Christian Darrisaw, Brian O'Neill, J.J. McCarthy, and Andrew Van Ginkel all came out in a really positive place, health-wise," O'Connell said of four key players who have missed time this season but are now back in the lineup. Aaron Jones Jones was one of the Vikings' best players on Sunday, racking up 98 yards on 11 touches before departing with a shoulder injury just two snaps into the third quarter. The initial reporting is that he suffered a mild AC joint sprain and has a chance to play this week against the Ravens. O'Connell talked about Jones' status a bit more on Monday. "Positive news early on," he said. "He's sore, obviously, coming out of the game, but the evaluations have been pretty positive today. We'll see how he does throughout the week, but expecting him to be able to hopefully ramp up his workload and I'll give you guys an update as the week goes on." It'll be worth paying attention to the injury reports later this week to see if Jones can go. If he does play, he figures to lead the Vikings' backfield against Baltimore. If he can't go, Jordan Mason would return to the lead role. Ryan Kelly Not surprisingly, there haven't been any updates on Kelly, the Vikings' starting center, since his second concussion in a 15-day span landed him on injured reserve a month ago. He's now missed the last four games and is eligible to return to action, but the Vikings haven't even opened his practice window yet. The good news is that Kelly's ramp-up process appears to be starting, as he'll do some work with trainers on a side field this week. "Don't really have an update at this time of opening his window or anything like that, but want to get him started," O'Connell said. "He seems to be in a good place, and (we) want to see the next part of that process begin." Blake Brandel has started the last four games at center after Michael Jurgens filled in there earlier in the season. It would be big for the Vikings if they can get Kelly back at some point and perhaps have their entire starting offensive line healthy for the first time all year. Theo Jackson and others Jackson, one of the Vikings' top three safeties, has entered concussion protocol after reporting some mild symptoms on Monday morning, O'Connell said. "He came in this morning with some very mild symptoms and we want to be safe there, so he'll go into the concussion protocol. We'll see how he can progress throughout the week." Jackson was an every-down player earlier this year when Harrison Smith was out, but he played just 16 defensive snaps in Detroit on Sunday. O'Connell also said that fullback C.J. Ham (hand) should "return to practice in a limited capacity" and that blocking tight end Josh Oliver (foot) will "begin working his way back on the side field with the trainers." Nick Vannett and Ben Yurosek would continue to be involved on offense if Oliver doesn't return this week.
Mike Vrabel responds to accusation that Patriots simulated Falcons' snap on key fourth-quarter play
3 key Buffalo Bills' players nearing return from injury
Sean McDermott delivered some good news as he met the media the day following the Buffalo Bills’ significant Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills were without several key contributors due to injuries sustained by various players in the weeks leading up to the matchup with the Chiefs, but a few of those who are ailing may be nearing a return. McDermott revealed on Monday that defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf), wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle/knee) and linebacker Shaq Thompson (hamstring) will all return to the practice field this week, with each player displaying signs of improvement. Palmer and Thompson each participated in practice limitedly a week ago, but Jones was held out all week. Jones has missed the Bills’ past three games after he “popped his calf” during pregame warm-ups leading up to a Week 7 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Palmer has also missed two straight games after he was injured during the game against Atlanta. Thompson missed this past week’s game against the Chiefs, the second game he has missed this season. The Bills are hurting along the defensive line, with utility pass rusher Michael Hoecht being declared out for the season after he was placed on Injured Reserve due to a torn Achilles, per McDermott. Jones’ return would be a major boost for an undermanned unit, which benefited from his services early in the year. Thompson has been the Bills’ best linebacker this season, but Buffalo saw the return of both Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard this past week, which lessened the blow caused by his absence. Without Jones and Thompson, the Bills’ defense performed well against the Chiefs, limiting them to 3 for 13 on third-down opportunities and just 305 total yards, their second-lowest yardage output this season. Still, Buffalo would welcome both players back into the fold, as their early-season contributions helped the team ride through some rough patches. Palmer’s absence hurt an already reeling Bills’ wide receiving corps, which has struggled to produce outside of what has come from Khalil Shakir this season. If the Bills fail to land a wide receiver at the trade deadline, his contributions will become increasingly critical down the stretch. The Bills return to the practice field on Wednesday before taking on the Dolphins on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Miami. — Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —
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