Bengaluru: As artificial intelligence reshapes animation and gaming workflows, concerns over originality and intellectual property are prompting studios to adopt the technology cautiously, balancing innovation with legal and creative safeguards.On the inaugural day of Bengaluru GAFX 2026 — the conference and exhibition for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and XR — industry leaders noted that AI is increasingly being used for conceptualisation, rapid iterations and immersive design before being integrated into production engines. However, questions around IP ownership of AI-assisted characters and ideas remain unresolved.Gauri Sriram, co-founder of Studio 56 Animation, said client perception is already evolving. “Clients today are increasingly cautious about AI usage, and studios often have to explain how and where AI is used in a project. AI is the prompt you give, but it can never replace human creativity. Professionals must evolve and learn to use it as a tool. We are still exploring possibilities for AI adoption,” she said.Echoing the need for clarity, Niranjan Sirsikar, founder-director of KANISH Technologies, said: “IP protection and clarity on usage will be critical. There is still confusion around originality and ownership of content, which is one reason some players are hesitant. Clear guidelines, especially on IP ownership, will be important.”Manasava Bhargava, co-founder and CEO of Teerva Studios, added: “A small, AI-enabled team can now deliver the output of a much larger studio. It’s not about replacing artists, but redistributing creative power, reducing timelines and enabling new storytelling.”Govt exploring dedicated AI policyAmid these debates, the state govt is moving towards a structured AI framework. Pramod Patil, general manager at Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), said a committee has already been constituted to draft a dedicated AI policy covering development, deployment and ecosystem support. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka’s progress in AI skilling. “Compared to AI-related training and activities in 2022, Karnataka in 2023–24 has trained 6.5 lakh employees in AI skills, reflecting a 9% increase,” he said. He added the Karnataka film industry has reached international standards, with productions competing globally. The state aims to train 50,000 students in the AVGC-XR sector by 2028 and generate over 30,000 high-quality jobs.‘KalaVerse’ blends tech with traditionThe event also showcased an innovative blend of technology and native heritage through the platform ‘KalaVerse’. The initiative featured traditional art forms such as Yakshagana and other Karnataka folklore, along with crafts, highlighting their potential integration of these artforms into animation, gaming, immersive media and digital storytelling.Quote Box: In the era of the digital revolution, immersive media, streaming platforms, e-sports, and extended reality, GAFX is shaping human stories, culture, education, and govt experiences. We took steps to integrate AVGC-XR technologies in education, use them in medical training, and digitally preserve Karnataka’s history and cultural heritage for future generations– Siddaramaiah, Chief minister The state govt has been working on a blueprint for responsible use of AI in governance, health, agriculture, education, and digital infrastructure, with clear objectives to guide its implementation. On gaming, Karnataka is already the only state funding original IP in animation and games, supporting skill development, B2B opportunities, and e-sports, while the policies continue to evolve for even greater clarity and impact– Priyank Kharge, IT-BT minister
