ENA State 2025-02-28 15:58:59 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Bengaluru, Feb 28 (KNN)</strong> Once on the fringes of global entertainment, Indias animation, visual effects, gaming, and extended reality (AVGC-XR) industry has now emerged as a major player.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">With a booming USD 1.4 billion animation market and a gaming sector expanding at 23 per cent annually, the country is no longer just a participant but a leader in the field, according to Karnatakas IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Speaking at the inauguration of GAFX 2025, Kharge highlighted India's 590 million-strong gaming community and the states proactive role in advancing the industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the first time, the expo is open to the public, fostering direct engagement between young enthusiasts and industry experts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A key announcement at the event was Karnatakas plan to establish the countrys first AVGC-XR Park. This ambitious initiative aims to position the state as a global hub for animation, gaming, visual effects, and comics.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The park will house cutting-edge production studios, incubation spaces for start-ups, and research facilities to drive innovation in digital content.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Karnataka is committed to training at least 50,000 professionals in AVGC-XR through collaborations with over 200 educational institutions and industry partners, Kharge stated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Bengaluru already leads the nation in gaming start-ups, with Karnataka witnessing steady growth in the sector over the past decade.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The state is home to five animation institutes, three digital effects academies, and 12 gaming-focused training centers, contributing significantly to Indias 129 AVGC educational hubs. By 2029, the government aims to boost operational efficiencies by 50 per cent.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A major highlight of GAFX 2025 was the unveiling of a collaboration between Zebu Animation and Tinkle, introduced by actor Rana Daggubati, to bring Indias iconic comics to life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Esports National Championship also drew significant attention, as the countrys top four teams battled for supremacy in the Counter-Strike 2 grand finale.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 41235 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/bengaluru-leads-indias-gaming-boom-as-avgc-xr-sector-expands 2025-02-28 15:58:59 knnindia.co.in