‘It’s an opportune moment for India’s AVGC-XR sector’

India's AVGC-R sector at its peak, merging technology and creativity to showcase rich cultural heritage globally.

It’s the most opportune moment for India’s AVGC-R (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector, an area where technology and creativity are intersecting, said Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

‘’We have a rich cultural heritage to be documented through storytelling on the vast canvas of the media and entertainment. The scale is huge,’‘ he said while speaking at the inaugural session of Bengaluru GAFX (Gaming, Animation and Visual Effects) 2025 here on Wednesday.

Mr. Jaju said this initiative was not just meant for our economic progress but also to take traditional stories of the country to the global audience to spread the message of peace and harmony to unite the world. “All these can happen through the media and entertainment. Not just mere song, dance or drama, but as creative works that boost inner harmony and peace to connect people together.”

Speaking on the occasion, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, said, ‘‘In animation and visual effects, Indian artists are instrumental in delivering cutting-edge visuals for domestic and international productions. Our contributions have garnered global acclaim, positioning India as a hub of high-quality animation and VFX services.’‘

The three-day conclave, between February 27 and March 1, organised by the Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, IT & BT, in collaboration with industry apex body, ABAI, would position Bengaluru as the world’s leading hub for AVGC-XR and a key driver of India’s global leadership in immersive media and entertainment, the Minister anticipated.

This edition of GAFX will witness the Sky Sports Souvenir 2025 National Championship: Open-For-All Tournament, making a maiden entry. Four teams — Flashback Gaming, Big W, Victores Sumus, and Gods Reign — have been chosen for the tournament, and the winner of the national title will get a prize money of ₹5 lakh.

Mr. Kharge said, “In the coming days, we will place greater focus on esports, recognising its importance as a skill-based discipline.’‘ According to him, with esports becoming a part of the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, Karnataka’s goal is to develop it further as a structured pathway for skill development.