Bengaluru Poised to Lead India's Gaming and Animation Industry

Bengaluru will lead gaming & animation industry in India: Priyank Kharge

The future of gaming and animation in India is bright and Bengaluru is poised to be at the forefront, said Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday. The government is committed to supporting startups and SMEs in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector and establishing the state as a global hub for AVGC, he said. "Government is ready with funds and is willing to partner with anyone. In fact, I am seeing the AVGC industry as a foot in the door for electronics manufacturing for gaming accessories. So, it has the potential to create a parallel economy with respect to manufacturing as well," said Kharge, who holds the portfolio of Information Technology. Also Read - 21-year-old student found dead in Bengaluru's Yelahanka; Suicide note recovered: Report The minister unveiled the theme and poster for GAFX 2025, the 6th edition of one of India's most eagerly awaited gatherings in the gaming, digital media, and entertainment industries, which will be held between February 27 and March 1, 2025. The Gaming, Animation and Visual Effects (GAFX) is jointly organised by the Karnataka government and Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI). At the curtain raiser for GAFX 2025, Kharge urged the participants to seize the opportunity to engage in valuable learning experiences, network with peers, and connect with mentors. "Right now, the state's 20 per cent AVGC market share is driven by around 300 specialised AVGC-XR studios employing approximately 15,000 professionals," he added. Sharath Bacchegowda, Chairman of Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) who was also present at the curtain-raiser event said it is time for the industry to go beyond the back-end operations and create more India specific stories and content to revolutionise the industry. He also talked about the efforts being taken by KEONICS to drive growth beyond Bengaluru. Also Read - 21-year-old student found dead in Bengaluru's Yelahanka; Suicide note recovered: Report "The initiative aims to proliferate digital economy growth in clusters beyond Bengaluru, such as Hubli-Dharwad-Belgavi, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. Each cluster focuses on specialised domains, with Mysuru emerging as a cybersecurity hub, Mangaluru excelling in fintech, and Hubbali-Dharwad-Belgavi becoming a center for AI, ML, IoT, and advanced manufacturing," he added. Biren Ghose, president of ABAI and Managing Director APAC Technicolor Group said, "GAFX 2025 is both a celebration and an occasion to reward excellence as well as throw a spotlight on the future growth of the creative technology industry." According to him, the 6th edition of the GAFX will offer a platform for stakeholders to explore and strategise the growth potential of Karnataka's digital media industry. The other dignitaries at the curtain-raiser event included Sai Srinivas, co-founder of Mobile Premier League (MPL), Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru, Hilary McGeachy, Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru and Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director of Nvidia.

Karnataka Government and ABAI to Host 6th Edition of GAFX 2025

Bengaluru: The Karnataka govt has partnered with the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI) to host the sixth edition of the GAFX 2025, which is scheduled from February 27 to March 1 next year in Bengaluru. IT minister Priyank Kharge said, "Karnataka remains a frontrunner in the AVGC sector, emphasizing the importance of emerging technologies such as AI and AR/VR.Our initiatives, including the KITVEN Fund 4, which aims to support startups and SMEs in the AVGC-XR sector, highlight our dedication to establishing Karnataka as a global hub for AVGC."Kharge said Karnataka commands a 20% market share, which is driven by around 300 specialised AVGC-XR studios employing approximately 15,000 professionals. To boost the AVGC-XR sector, the KITVEN Fund 4, with a fund size of Rs 20 crore, is dedicated to investing in startups and SMEs in the sector.He also highlighted plans for an AVGC-XR Park and gaming centre of excellence (CoE), which will serve as the epicentre for innovation, research, and development in the gaming sector. It will offer incubation support, mentorship, virtual production houses, and host regular events like hackathons, game jams, and industry conferences. Karnataka IT secretary Ekroop Caur said, "The global market for animation and visual effects is anticipated to reach around $282.3 billion by the 2025-26 financial year, while the gaming market is expected to expand to $314 billion.