INCUBASE Studio on the Future of Immersive IP Experiences
July 10, 2026
Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio, and Haeun Jung, CEO of Dotmill (Screencap photo from the MTN Korea video interview)
Click to read MTN Korea original feature (Korean): Feature 1, Feature 2
The following is an edited English translation of selected excerpts from the MTN Korea interview.
Animation exhibitions are evolving. What were once experiences centred around photo opportunities with character sculptures and merchandise shopping are transforming into immersive experiences that allow visitors to step directly into the worlds of their favourite stories.
Globally, the Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) market — which combines immersive media technology with physical venues — is experiencing rapid growth. According to global market research firm Straits Research, the global LBE market is estimated at US$17.8 billion this year and is projected to grow more than tenfold to US$187.3 billion by 2034.
This trend is one of the key reasons behind the partnership between Dotmill, a KOSDAQ-listed immersive media company, and Hong Kong-based company INCUBASE Studio which specializes in global IP licensing and experience curation. Having delivered more than 200 licensed projects featuring globally recognised anime IPs including ONE PIECE, Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man, INCUBASE Studio has established itself as a leading curator of immersive IP experiences across Asia.
With physical hubs for anime culture and experiences INCUBASE Arena already operating in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan, and recognising the rapid growth of Korea’s entertainment market, INCUBASE Studio sought a long-term strategic partner beyond traditional pop-up exhibitions. Dotmill’s expertise in immersive media technology and operating its own themed attractions made it the ideal partner.
Looking ahead, Dotmill and INCUBASE Studio plan to expand into global markets together, building on their success in Korea. The partnership combines Dotmill’s technological expertise with INCUBASE‘s global IP licensing network and exhibition know-how to create a new generation of immersive entertainment experiences.
(Screencap photo from the MTN Korea video interview)
What led to the collaboration between the two companies?
Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio: Dotmill is one of Korea’s leading immersive media companies, with extensive experience in creating highly interactive entertainment experiences. INCUBASE Studio specialises in global IP licensing and curating immersive fan experiences around the world.
We share the same vision: today’s fans are looking for more than traditional exhibitions — they want immersive entertainment that allows them to step into the worlds of the stories they love.
By combining Dotmill’s immersive technology with INCUBASE‘s expertise in IP exhibition curation and operations, we believe we can create truly unique and unforgettable experiences for fans.
Why did INCUBASE choose Korea as its strategic base?
Sion: Korea is one of Asia’s strongest entertainment markets. It has an incredibly passionate fan community with high expectations for premium content experiences. Combined with its large number of international visitors, Korea provides an ideal environment for showcasing immersive IP experiences.
We also believe the INCUBASE Arena model we have successfully established in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan has strong potential to grow further in Korea.
More importantly, Korean fans are increasingly looking beyond simply consuming content — they want to actively participate and immerse themselves in the worlds and stories of their favourite characters.
How will these exhibitions differ from traditional anime exhibitions?
Sion: Traditional exhibitions have largely focused on displaying videos, original artwork or character sculptures. Beginning with our collaboration with Dotmill, we are integrating projection mapping, interactive technology, lighting and sound to create experiences where visitors become active participants rather than passive viewers. Together, we are shaping the future of immersive IP entertainment.
How is the first collaborative project, the ONE PIECE exhibition, being developed?
Sion: “ONE PIECE: The Great Era of Piracy Asia Tour” is INCUBASE‘s first original exhibition, and Jeju Waterworld marks the 10th stop of its Asia tour. The exhibition follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Crew, combining storytelling with immersive lighting, sound and interactive gameplay to bring the world of ONE PIECE to life.
For Jeju, we are introducing water-based media elements alongside a newly curated Elbaph Arc zone, creating an even more immersive multi-sensory experience. Visitors will actually walk through 20 centimetres of water as they journey through the world of ONE PIECE in an entirely new way.
“ONE PIECE: The Great Era of Piracy Asia Tour” in Jeju debuts immersive water-based media elements, building upon the original narrative designed and curated by INCUBASE Studio as the exhibition reaches its 10th stop across Asia.