- At the inauguration ceremony of the 5th edition of Bengaluru GAFX, an Animated Masterpiece titled ‘LiFE Song’ was showcased. The Mill, a Technicolor Creative Studio, collaborated with Grammy Awards-winning musician Ricky Kej and UNICEF India for this remarkable project. ‘LiFE Song’ represents a significant partnership between Ricky Kej, UNICEF India, and The Mill, India, bringing together their creative forces to deliver an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional boundaries. The animated characters, Chanu, Priya, and Arjun – the Agents of Change, were created by The Mill with a mission to make our ways of life more sustainable for the future and to take responsibility for our home planet. The masterpiece features acclaimed musicians such as Shankar Mahadevan, Stewart Copeland, Salim-Sulaiman, Farrah El Dibany, Abby V, Lonnie Park, and the New York Youth Symphony under the direction of Michael Repper.
- On the first day, the initial session kicked off with a Fireside Chat titled “The Indian Video Gaming and Esports Industry,” featuring Mr. Kris Gopalkrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures and Co-founder of Infosys, and Mr. Rajan Navani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director at JetLine Group of Companies, and Founder & CEO of JetSynthesys. The discussion delved into the evolution and prospects of gaming, esports, and digital entertainment. Both speakers emphasized the transformative influence of technology, including AI and gamification, extending beyond entertainment to impact sectors like education and healthcare. The session underscored India’s potential to lead globally in these industries, leveraging its youthful population, creativity, and diverse talent. The conversation further highlighted technology’s transformative power, urging industries to reimagine and embrace global competition. Esports emerged as a bridge between the digital and physical realms, emphasizing the social dimensions of gaming and the potential for new opportunities and employment.
- In another session titled “Emerging Trends in Gaming” by Saikat Mondol of Nazar Technologies, significant trends and advancements in the gaming sector were highlighted. The console market showed substantial revenue growth, signaling increasing interest and a steady player base. Mobile gaming continued to flourish, featuring competitive genres such as free-to-play, social casual, and casino games. Geographically, North America and China played major roles in the console market, while Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America significantly contributed to the global gaming revenue. The business landscape is evolving with the growing adoption of free-to-play models and microtransactions, now accounting for 32% of global gaming revenues. Saikat also discussed the changing payment ecosystem, real-time payments, and cross-platform gaming. The presentation delved into the ascent of social gaming, user-generated content, transmedia, and the potential impact of generative AI on game development. Concluding the presentation, insights were shared on the future trajectory of the gaming industry, highlighting social gaming, user-generated content, and generative AI as crucial drivers of innovation.
- In the “Game On – The Indian Gaming Saga” session, the speakers highlighted the significant impact of OTT platforms in India, especially in rural areas, leading to notable growth in the gaming industry. Influencers and content creators, using platforms like YouTube, played a crucial role in this expansion. Despite challenges in game development, such as finding talent and distribution issues, platforms like Instagram have proven to be effective in reaching diverse audiences. Investing in the gaming industry is crucial for its growth due to its vast and costly nature. India is following global gaming trends, focusing on vernacular and culture-centric content, which shows promise for the industry’s future. While India is rapidly climbing international rankings, sustained efforts are essential for global expansion. Some gaming companies focused on India, have gained popularity in countries like Brazil and Mexico. However, achieving seamless growth requires more funds, and additional support beyond government funding is crucial. Ensuring sustainable growth is vital, with incubators playing an important role. When choosing investors, considering factors like a people-first approach, competitive benchmarks, tapping into untapped talent, and potential return on investments is key. The future looks promising, with locally tailored games gaining popularity. There is optimism for substantial growth in the next few years, including increased involvement from women gaming developers and consumers. Educational institutions, supported by government initiatives, are crucial in creating awareness, providing infrastructure, and offering financial support for the gaming industry.
- In the session on “Empowering The Future: India’s AVCG Skilling Centers and State Innovation Vision,” panelists discussed the focus of the Karnataka Skill Development Authority on enhancing skills, particularly in the Audio-Visual and Gaming Communication (AVCG) sector. Despite Karnataka’s robust IT and manufacturing industries, the AVCG sector faces unique challenges due to the lack of quality colleges and the rapidly evolving nature of the field. The dynamic aspects of AVCG, especially in the digital realm, require swift adaptation, and training. Overcoming challenges is crucial to preparing a skilled workforce and bridging the skill gap in AVCG. Since the inception of the AVCG policy, there has been notable progress, with the implementation of key initiatives and the integration of programs into numerous schools. Plans include launching diplomas, outreach to science and engineering colleges, and expanding UGC-related programs. To address the broader training needs, efforts are underway for 10,000 to 15,000 training sessions, with more than 76 training institutions already present in Karnataka. As the state works to strengthen the ecosystem, industry collaboration becomes pivotal. Joint initiatives will facilitate the training of professionals, ushering in a new generation of skilled individuals in a short timeframe.
- During the panel discussion on “Delivering Spectacular Animated Features from India,” panelists highlighted the topic’s significance, particularly considering Bangalore’s increasing prominence in the animation industry. The panel emphasized the swift transition from having no feature films to handling four major projects within two and a half years. A key focus was on nurturing local talent to meet the rising demand, ensuring a sustainable environment for studios across India. The conversation delved into challenges faced during the production of animated features, such as adjustments required for episodic game veterans transitioning to feature films. The panelists stressed the vital role of collaboration, communication, and creativity when closely working with directors, creative talents, and clients. Furthermore, the panel explored both the enjoyable and challenging aspects of various departments, including animators, rigging teams, and character designers. The significance of technology in facilitating collaboration across teams, even in remote work environments, was highlighted. The discussion concluded with insights into the evolving nature of artists, emphasizing increased confidence and creative contributions across multiple projects. The panel encouraged aspiring talent to concentrate on mastering industry-standard software, building a robust foundation, and continually honing their craft.
- In another session on “The Indian Video Gaming and Esports Industry” Mr Girish Menon, Chief Strategy Officer, JetSynthesys, Karan Pathak, Associate Director eSports at Krafton India, Sriram Vishaal, Head of Esports, Jet Skyesports and Mayur Bhimjiyani, Founder, Hypernova Interactive discussed the Indian video gaming and eSports industry. Panelists included representatives from gaming studios and eSports organizers. The conversation centered around the synergy between eSports and gaming, with a focus on community building for long-term success. Topics discussed included grassroots events, the growth of eSports in India, and the impact on smaller towns and villages. Participants highlighted the collaborative role of publishers, operators, and the eSports community in driving the growth and sustainability of gaming products. Anecdotes were shared to underscore the reach of eSports in non-metro cities, emphasizing the depth and potential of the gaming industry in India. The panel explored the interconnected dynamics of gaming, eSports, and community building for sustained industry development.
- During the session “India and the World: Lessons from Global Gaming Leaders”, Dhruv Garg, Head of Legal & Policy, AIGF, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India, Kai Bolik, (Co-founder, GameDuell (Germany), Shri Darshan H V, Director, Dept of IT, Bt, Sahil, MPL highlighted India’s thriving $2.6 billion gaming industry which set to reach $10 billion in 5-6 years with a 28% CAGR. The panel stressed the importance for Indian game developers to learn from global leaders, particularly in crafting games that resonate globally. Key themes included game development details, global publishing challenges, content adaptability, and cost-efficient user acquisition. Government initiatives in Karnataka, promoting gaming and eSports were highlighted for fostering a conducive environment. Insightful comments advised more engineering students to enter the industry, prioritizing revenue over high valuations. The conversation explored nuances in adapting games for diverse European cultures and understanding local user behaviors. Monetization strategies, talent challenges, and plans for a gaming Center of Excellence were also discussed.
- In the session “Investor Speak – Strategies for Staying Relevant and Resilient in the Indian Gaming Startup Ecosystem,” speakers delved into the changing landscape of India’s gaming industry, going beyond conventional entertainment. The discussion underscored the government’s dedication to supporting startups through initiatives like Karnataka’s AVGC policy. It explored both the global and Indian potential of the gaming sector, emphasizing the need for strategic funding and support. The substantial market size of gaming, surpassing traditional entertainment sectors on a global scale, was also highlighted. Strategies for success were discussed, with a focus on building for the global market by leveraging India’s talent pool and aligning with global gaming trends. Another approach centered on building for Bharat, tailoring products to the specific needs and cultural context of Indian users. The conversation expanded beyond gaming to include education, spirituality, and public discourse. Speakers shared insights on applying gamification principles to enhance learning experiences, spirituality, and public engagement, emphasizing the transformative potential of games across various sectors.
- During another session on Day 1, “ VFX Breakdown of Kannada Blockbusters SALAAR, VIKRANTH RONA and Special Sneak Peek of BHAGEERA” Ganesh Papanna, Managing Director, GG Estates Private Limited, Ramesh Jayaraman, VFX Supervisor/Producer, Nirmal Kumar, VFX Supervisor, Radiance FX, Dr. Suri – Director of Bhageera emphasized the intricate world of film production, highlighting the pivotal role of visual effects (VFX) in shaping captivating cinematic experiences. The collaborative efforts between directors, directors of photography (DOP), and VFX studios were emphasized throughout the conversation, particularly in overcoming challenges related to technology and budget constraints. Noteworthy insights were shared regarding the increasing budget allocations for visual effects, signifying their growing prominence in contemporary cinema. Specific examples from films like “KGF” and “Salon II” illustrated the vital contributions of VFX companies, with Radiance FX, a homegrown visual effects studio, taking the spotlight for its silent yet impactful role in numerous films across diverse languages. The discussion also touched upon the evolving role of technology in filmmaking, highlighting the use of cutting-edge cameras and rigs to translate the director’s vision into visually stunning narratives. It further delved into culminating in a sneak peek at the highly anticipated film “Bagheera,” showcasing the significant role of VFX in crafting its visual spectacle. Additionally, the commendable contribution of the Center of Excellence in advanced scanning for film projects was acknowledged, affirming its role in elevating the Indian film industry to global standards in visual effects.
- During one session “Raising the bar – High-End Animated Episodic Productions from India” Veerendra Patil Founder & Creative Director, Zebu Animations Studios, Michael Earnest A, Head of Creative – Operations (Episodic) Mikros Animation, Anand Bhanushali, MD, Philm CGI, Amogh Vaidya, Dy Head of CG, Redefine, and Tharuna N, Assets Supervisor, Xentrix Studios emphasized on the evolution of animation, addressing common challenges faced by organizations in the industry. Themes included the need to change animators’ mindsets in long-form animation, adapting to different project types, and the importance of reinvention to meet budget constraints. The global language of animation and conveying stories in diverse ways were emphasized. The discussion also touched on budget considerations, technological advancements, and the significance of preparation, research and development, and real-time pipelines in enhancing creativity and efficiency.
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