Karnataka Gears Up for Global Leadership in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality
Bengaluru, NFAPost: The curtains draw on the three-day Bengaluru GAFX 2024, a dynamic convergence of innovation and collaboration in the Animation, Visual Effects, Games & Comics (AVGC) industry. Hosted by the Ministry of IT & Bt, Karnataka, and ABAI at the Lalit Ashok, the event showcased groundbreaking advancements, celebrated artistic prowess, and unveiled the ambitious Karnataka AVGC-XR 3.0 Policy.
Themed ‘Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC,’ the fifth edition of Bengaluru GAFX concluded with resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on Karnataka’s role in shaping the AVGC landscape globally. The event not only fostered collaboration but also set the stage for the state’s ambitious growth and employment targets.
The valedictory function featured Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Information Technology & Biotechnology, who emphasized the event’s pivotal role in establishing Karnataka as a global hub for AVGC-XR intellectual property creation. He announced the official launch of the Karnataka AVGC-XR 3.0 Policy, outlining the state’s commitment to fostering creative talent, enhancing educational opportunities, and driving economic development.
Highlights of Bengaluru GAFX 2024 include the unveiling of Karnataka’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) policy 3.0, aiming to create 30,000 high-quality jobs and export 80% of AVGC services and products by 2028. The event also announced the dates for Bengaluru GAFX 2025 and showcased a collaboration between The Mill and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej, titled “LiFE Song.”
With over 12,000 attendees, Bengaluru GAFX 2024 witnessed participation from 10 countries in 120 sessions, featuring insights from 200 speakers. The Bengaluru B2B Forum 2024 facilitated 174 business interactions, resulting in the signing of 53 Letters of Intent (LOIs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Notable presentations included mind-blowing visual effects from Hollywood blockbusters and the unveiling of 15 startups at the GameTech Accelerate program.
The event underscored the transformative potential of technological advancements in the AVGC industry, with sessions focusing on topics like the future of education for AVGC, strategies for staying relevant in the gaming startup ecosystem, and the impact of animation on the entertainment industry.
As Bengaluru GAFX 2024 concluded, it stands as a testament to the thriving AVGC industry in India, emphasizing Karnataka’s pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. The announcement of the dates for the 6th edition of Bengaluru GAFX in 2025, from February 26th to 28th, adds to the anticipation of continued growth and innovation in the years to come.
