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Bengaluru GAFX 2025, organized by the Department of E, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, and ABAI at The Lalit Ashok, successfully concluded with groundbreaking collaborations, insightful discussions, and a thriving platform for startups and investors. The event reaffirmed Karnataka’s position as a global leader in AVGC-XR and a key driver of India’s immersive media and entertainment industry.

Key Announcements & Highlights:

• Upcoming Events: Karnataka will host an Esports Summit and a Game Developers Conference this year to foster innovation and drive growth in esports and game development.
• Prestigious Award Launch: Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle Comics announced the ‘GAFX Uncle Pai Promising New Creator Award’ to recognize emerging comic book creators.
• Esports Championship: The Skyesports Souvenir 2025 National Esports Championship saw four elite teams competing for a ₹5 lakh prize pool. The home team Gods Reign emerged as champions, with Aakash Bose aka “PH1NNN” earning the MVP title.
• Product Launch: The Digital Detox Center by the All India Gaming Federation was launched at GAFX 2025, aiming to promote responsible gaming practices.
• Animated Series Unveiling: Cine Star Rana Daggubati unveiled Suppandi’s animated debut, set to stream on PowerKids TV. The announcement marked a significant milestone in Indian animation, celebrating one of Tinkle’s most beloved characters.
• International Collaboration: A partnership between Green Gold Animation (India) and TG Entertainment (UK) was announced to expand the Brilliant World of Tom Gates franchise in India and South Asia, boosting cross-border creative cooperation.
• Industry Excellence Recognition: The AnimationXpress GEM Awards 2025 honored top developers, studios, and industry leaders in gaming, esports, and the metaverse, further cementing India’s growing global influence.
• Investor Connect Program: 29 investors from 22 companies engaged with 34 startups, facilitating funding and mentorship opportunities to drive AVGC-XR sector growth.
• Global Partnerships: An MoU between Uzbekistan and ABAI was signed to enhance international collaboration in the AVGC-XR sector, expanding business and content opportunities.
• B2B Forum: Facilitated 395 LOI business meetings, featuring 15 top buyers, 39 participating companies, and 40 IPs showcased, significantly contributing to business expansion and investment in the industry.
• Skilling & Innovation Initiatives: The ABAI AVGC Centre of Excellence (CoE) and Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) signed an MoU to drive skilling, incubation, innovation, and policy development, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the sector.

Ministerial Address:

Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT & Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka, emphasized Karnataka’s vision to become the global creative capital. He highlighted the state’s focus on skill development, incubators, Centers of Excellence, and original IP creation to establish Karnataka as a leader in animation, gaming, VFX, and XR.

He also announced Karnataka’s upcoming Esports Summit and Game Developers Conference, which aim to hone gaming talent and foster innovation in game development. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive ecosystem for AVGC-XR startups and professionals.

Industry Leadership Perspective:

Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman, Bengaluru GAFX & President, ABAI, stated, “Bengaluru GAFX 2025 has created tangible outcomes that will accelerate India’s creative technology industries. The support from the Karnataka government continues to elevate this sector to global excellence. We are proud to see Bengaluru at the forefront of the AVGC-XR revolution.”

Event Participation & Impact:

• 5000+ footfalls per day showcasing high engagement and interest.
• 15+ state associations and 50+ exhibitors, ensuring widespread industry participation.
• 10+ participating countries represented in 100+ sessions, demonstrating global collaboration.
• 200+ speakers sharing industry insights, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.
• 395 LOI business interactions between 15 prominent buyers and 40 sellers with IPs, solidifying commercial growth.
• 10+ MoUs signed for future partnerships, strengthening the industry ecosystem.
• Participation from 150 colleges and 500 students in competitions, encouraging young talent.
• Total prize money of ₹10 lakh awarded to participants, motivating excellence and competition.

Noteworthy Industry Milestones:

1. Suppandi’s Animated Debut: Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle Comics, and Zebu Animation unveiled the animated debut of Suppandi, with an announcement of WingStar’s upcoming animation. The series will premiere on PowerKids TV, expanding India’s animation footprint.
2. GAFX Uncle Pai Promising New Creator Award: The inaugural recipient Mahati Santhanakrishnan won for her comic “Hunting Monsters.” She will receive a rolling trophy, independent comic publication, serialization in Tinkle Magazine, and a one-month internship with Amar Chitra Katha.
3. Skyesports Souvenir 2025: Counter-Strike 2 was the featured game, further elevating India’s esports presence on a global stage and positioning the country as a serious competitor in the industry.
4. Investor Connect Program: A dedicated platform for AVGC startups to secure funding and mentorship, bridging the gap between 29 investors from 22 companies and 34 startups, ensuring long-term growth in the sector.
5. Green Gold Animation & TG Entertainment Partnership: A collaboration to expand The Brilliant World of Tom Gates in India and South Asia, introducing innovative storytelling and fostering deeper audience engagement.

Conclusion:

Bengaluru GAFX 2025 set a new benchmark as India’s leading AVGC-XR event, fostering innovation, investment, and collaboration. With a strong global presence, impactful partnerships, and a thriving business ecosystem, the event solidified Karnataka’s role as the global hub for animation, gaming, VFX, and extended reality.

Future Outlook:

With upcoming initiatives like the Esports Summit and Game Developers Conference, Karnataka continues its journey to becoming a powerhouse in the creative technology sector. GAFX 2025 successfully positioned India’s AVGC-XR industry on the global map, paving the way for further innovation and growth. The state’s proactive initiatives ensure that Bengaluru remains at the forefront of immersive entertainment and digital transformation, inspiring the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs.

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