The three-day Bengaluru GAFX 2025, organized by the Department of IT, BT & E, Government of Karnataka, and ABAI at the Lalit Ashok, concluded today with tremendous success. With the theme “Future of Immersion: EXPERIENCE. EXPLORE. DISRUPT,” the event set new industry standards, featuring impactful partnerships, insightful discussions, and a robust platform for startups and investors. The event highlighted Karnataka’s growing role as a global leader in AVGC-XR and its significant contribution to India’s global prominence in immersive media and entertainment.
During the closing ceremony, Shri Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, stated, “Karnataka is not only the IT, biotech, and skill capital of India, but we are also on the path to becoming the global creative capital. The AVGC-XR sector is not just about entertainment—it is a powerful economic driver fostering innovation, job creation, and global influence. Our focus on skill development, reskilling, and cross-skilling through initiatives like Nipuna Karnataka ensures that our talent competes globally. We’re investing in incubators, Centers of Excellence, and original IP creation to make Karnataka a leader in animation, gaming, VFX, and XR. Global brands like Disney and Marvel have shown the value of intellectual property, and now it’s time for India to create its own. This year, Karnataka will host an Esports Summit and a Game Developers Conference, which will be major steps in strengthening our gaming ecosystem.”
Biren Ghose, Chairman of Bengaluru GAFX and President of ABAI, shared, “ABAI is thrilled to see how every segment of the AVGC-XR community came together to create an exceptional Bengaluru GAFX 2025. Our vision for exploring the Future of Immersion has been fully realized. The outcomes from this event will accelerate India’s creative technology industry. The support from the Government of Karnataka’s ITBT Department has been crucial in elevating this industry to international prominence. GAFX 2025 has offered unprecedented experiences and highlighted the disruptions that will help studios, startups, and talent make a global impact.”
The event was a major success, attracting over 5,000 visitors daily, with participation from 15+ state associations and more than 50 exhibitors. Over 10 countries were represented, with over 100 sessions and insights from 200 speakers. There were 395 business interactions between buyers and sellers, along with over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed. Additionally, the event launched the Digital Detox Center in collaboration with the All-India Gaming Federation and saw participation from 150 colleges, 500 students nationwide, and 20+ national and international artists for the Sketch Alley. A total of ₹10 lakh in prize money was awarded to competition winners.
The B2B Forum emerged as a key networking platform, facilitating valuable connections and business matchups within the AVGC-XR industry. It provided content creators, studios, and startups a space to pitch their projects to global buyers and investors, generating significant interest in select IPs and paving the way for future partnerships.
Bengaluru GAFX 2025 witnessed industry-shaping discussions, collaborations, and dynamic showcases, setting the stage for the future of animation, gaming, VFX, and comics in India. Both Indian and international studios presented some of the biggest and most critically acclaimed projects.
With the successful conclusion of the event, Karnataka has solidified its position as a global hub for AVGC-XR innovation. The event catalyzed partnerships, investments, and technological advancements, driving the industry forward. Additionally, the Investor Connect Program played a vital role in boosting the startup ecosystem, ensuring India’s continued leadership in the global evolution of the AVGC-XR sector.
