Bengaluru GAFX 2025: India’s Premier AVGC-XR Event Returns with a Grand Vision

By Pickle February 20, 2025

With unmatched opportunities for networking, investment, education, and creative exploration, GAFX 2025 scheduled from February 27 to March 1 is set to be a landmark event to enhance India’s growing influence in global storytelling, creativity, and content innovation.

Bengaluru GAFX 2025 is gearing up to be an all-encompassing platform for the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sectors. With each of these fields emerging as strong independent spaces, this year’s edition aims to integrate them into a unified ecosystem, emphasizing a platform approach rather than a singular event.

Karnataka Leading the Way

Karnataka has long held a leadership position in India’s AVGC-XR industry. Priyank M Kharge, Minister for IT BT, Tourism & Social Welfare Dept, Govt of Karnataka, highlighted the state’s pioneering role, stating, “Our Center of Excellence for AVGC is a role model, inspiring many states to emulate this initiative. Bengaluru GAFX brings the world to Karnataka, allowing us to solidify our leadership. Our focus is on nurturing startups, generating employment, and encouraging greater participation of women in the industry.”

The Future of Immersion

Themed “The Future of Immersion,” GAFX 2025 will explore India’s growing influence in global storytelling, creativity, and content innovation. The event will feature discussions on how technology and innovation are reshaping the industry, with particular emphasis on algorithmic artistry—enhancing creativity rather than replacing it.

Spotlight on Gaming and Industry Collaboration

Gaming is set to be one of the major highlights this year, with over eight gaming associations joining as key partners. Additionally, the event will feature an address by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, who will outline the national agenda under the Create in India initiative.

He will also discuss the forthcoming WAVES event in Mumbai (May 1-4), where a seven-member committee will present updates on the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, inviting industry and academic stakeholders to contribute their perspectives.

Investment Summit and Global Participation

GAFX has always been a hub for international business collaborations. This year, record 15 global investors—facilitated by KPMG in partnership with the Karnataka government and ABAI—will participate in an Investor Summit. With Karnataka’s 20-crore KITVIN fund in place, the summit will focus on how early-stage startups can scale up and navigate investment strategies. Organizers are optimistic that at least 5% of the deals initiated at the event will be finalized on-site.

The Rise of eSports

For the first time, eSports will have a dedicated space at GAFX. The event will host the Skyesports Finals, a marquee tournament by JetSynthesys, recognized as one of South Asia’s premier eSports organizers. With an expected turnout of 8,000-10,000 attendees, the tournament will generate unparalleled engagement, reinforcing the expanding influence of eSports in India’s digital entertainment landscape.

Showcasing Indian Creativity and State Participation

The event will also feature IP launches, awards, technology sessions, and trailer unveilings. A significant highlight will be state participation from Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, and others. These states will showcase their talent and initiatives, creating a dynamic India Pavilion that reflects the country’s creative diversity.

Additionally, each participating state is being encouraged to present compelling stories from their region that could be adapted into films, television series, or digital content, further strengthening India’s position as a global content hub.

A Transformative Experience

GAFX 2024 saw record participation, with 4,500+ attendees per day, 120+ companies, 40+ colleges, 18 live conferences, and 45 expert panelists. The 2025 edition aims to surpass these milestones, further solidifying Bengaluru’s position as a global AVGC-XR hub.

With a projected footfall of 10,000-12,000 attendees, GAFX 2025 promises to be a transformative experience, bringing together creators, technologists, investors, and policymakers. From fostering investment to enhancing storytelling and immersive experiences, the event is poised to shape the future of India’s AVGC-XR industry, cementing its place on the global stage.