Articles by Raashi Dave
Elon Musk says AI could surpass human intelligence within five years
Musk made the remark on X while responding to entrepreneur and author Peter H. Diamandis, who argued that human progress is often limited not by intelligence itself but by access to resources and tools.
The GenZ Blueprint: Building Brands For India's Most Skeptical Generation
There is one plain truth every brand custodian and marketer today must have realised: the old marketing playbook is officially broken. For decades, brands won through volume, repetition and star power. Visibility equalled credibility. But Indian Gen Z looks at the same multi-crore campaign and asks: "How much did they pay them to say that?"
Whistling Woods International Partners with InVideo to Launch AI Lab
Whistling Woods International (WWI), a film, communication, and creative arts institute in India, has announced a partnership with InVideo, an AI video platform, to establish the WWI-InVideo AI Lab at its campus in Mumbai’s Film City complex.
Return of the Jungle: A New Chapter for Indian Indie Animation
How One Small Studio Is Showing the World the Power of Indian Stories Indian animation has been waiting for a moment that proves original, homegrown stories can stand confidently on the global stage. Return of the Jungle arrives as one such landmark achievement — a film that celebrates Indian imagination, independent creativity, and the future possibilities of the AVGC-XR ecosystem.
Crafting Fear on Screen: The Making of Khauf at the VAM Summit 2026
The secret to true, lingering horror doesn’t lie in a sudden loud noise or a burst of fake blood—it is meticulously engineered at the intersection of dark psychological storytelling and cutting-edge visual technology. At the VAM Summit 2026 (#VAMSummit2026 #TCHxVAM2026), industry trailblazers took the stage for a captivating panel titled "Crafting Fear on Screen: Making of Webseries 'Khauf.'" The session pulled back the curtain on how Prime Video’s acclaimed psychological horror series structured its deeply unsettling world, blending raw human trauma with state-of-the-art digital effects.
JioStar Bets Big on AI: Appoints Stephan Vladimir Bugaj to Lead Generative AI Content Strategy
The future of entertainment is being rewritten by artificial intelligence, and JioStar is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. In a significant move that reflects its commitment to next-generation storytelling, JioStar—the media and entertainment joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited and The Walt Disney Company—has appointed Stephan Vladimir Bugaj as its Head of Generative AI Content Strategy. This strategic appointment marks a major step in the company’s vision to integrate artificial intelligence into content development, production, and audience engagement, setting the stage for a new era of media innovation.
$110 Billion Media Mega-Deal Gains Momentum with Massive Debt Financing Package
Paramount Assembles Nearly $50 Billion Debt Package for Proposed $110 Billion Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition
Nazara Posts Strong FY26 Results with 66% EBITDA Growth
Mumbai: Nazara Technologies has reported a significant financial milestone for FY26, with EBITDA surging 66 per cent year-on-year, highlighting the company's continued momentum in India's rapidly evolving gaming and digital entertainment sector.
Anime India Delhi 2026: India’s Biggest Anime Celebration Heads to the Capital
Anime fans across the country are gearing up for one of the most anticipated pop-culture events of the year as Anime India Delhi 2026 arrives with a massive lineup of international guests, studio showcases, cosplay competitions, gaming experiences, and fan-driven entertainment. Following successful editions in Mumbai and Kolkata, the Delhi chapter promises to be the biggest Anime India event yet, bringing together anime lovers, creators, voice actors, industry professionals, and leading entertainment brands under one roof. The convention aims to create a large-scale Japanese pop culture festival experience featuring anime screenings, live performances, creator panels, community meetups, gaming tournaments, merchandise zones, and exclusive interactions with legendary figures from the anime world.
Animafest Zagreb 2026: Global Animation’s Boldest Creative Voices Converge in Croatia
The internationally acclaimed World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb is set to return in 2026 with another groundbreaking edition celebrating the very best in independent, experimental, and visionary animated filmmaking. Widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious animation festivals, Animafest Zagreb continues to serve as a global platform for artists who push the boundaries of storytelling, visual design, and cinematic expression. Bringing together filmmakers, animation studios, students, industry leaders, and passionate fans from around the world, the festival remains a key destination for discovering the future of animation and creative media.
India's AVGC Share in $800 Billion Global Market Growing
AI, immersive tech, and digital platforms are accelerating India's rise up the AVGC value chain. India's share of the $800 billion global AVGC-XR market could grow 2.2 times to reach 1.5%.
AVGC Sector to Need 2 Million Professionals by 2030
India's AVGC sector currently employs 2.6 lakh professionals but is projected to need 2 million by 2030, creating an urgent talent development priority for government and industry.
GAFX 2026 Bengaluru: Strategic Convergence for India's AVGC-XR Ecosystem
GAFX 2026 in Bengaluru, themed 'Evolution Unloaded', brought together capital, policy, and IP ambition under strong government presence including Karnataka's Chief and Deputy Chief Ministers.
Indian Institute of Creative Technologies Mumbai Goes Live
IICT Mumbai, operational since July 2025, has launched 18 courses through its Train-the-Trainer programme, marking Maharashtra's most direct intervention in building an AVGC workforc
AI Transforming AVGC Production Pipelines
AI is reshaping animation and VFX production by automating tasks like rigging and in-betweening. The generative AI animation market is projected to grow at 47.9% CAGR to reach $931.5M by 2033.
Tamil Nadu Launches AVGC-XR Policy 2026
Tamil Nadu's five-year AVGC-XR Policy 2026 targets 200+ startups, 2 lakh jobs, and a 20% national market share by 2030, backed by ₹300 crore in combined funding.
51 AVGC-XR Startups Showcase AI at India AI Impact Summit
51 AVGC-XR and media tech startups demonstrated cutting-edge AI innovations at the WAVES Creators Corner during the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
₹250 Crore Budget Boost for AVGC Content Creator Labs: A Game-Changer for India’s Creative Future
The Union Budget 2026–27 allocates ₹250 crore for AVGC Content Creator Labs across schools and colleges, aiming to build India’s next-generation creative workforce.
Netflix Opens Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad: A Major Leap for India’s AVGC Industry
Netflix launches Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, strengthening India’s AVGC ecosystem and creating major opportunities in VFX and digital content production.
Google Maps Gets a New Look: The Icon Enters Its Gradient Era
Google Maps, one of the most familiar app icons on our phones, is getting a fresh redesign. The iconic location pin is still there, but Google has now given it a softer, more modern gradient treatment across Android and iOS. The update keeps the brand instantly recognizable while aligning it with Google’s newer AI-inspired visual language.
“Everything old becomes new again in the AVGC world. FMV — the iconic live-action gaming style of the ’90s — is finding a whole new audience with Gen Z creators and gamers.
Gen Z Just Rediscovered FMV — And Retro Gaming Suddenly Feels Future-Ready
IKEA Brings Back the Joy of Air: A New Era of Inflatable Design
At this year’s Milan Design Week, IKEA is revisiting one of its boldest design ideas from the 1990s — inflatable furniture. But this time, it returns with a new purpose, a new perspective, and a new generation of design thinking. Introducing the PS 2026 Easy Chair, created by IKEA designer Mikael Axelsson as part of the latest IKEA PS collection
Spotify’s New Logo Moment: Branding Win or Internet Meltdown?
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Spotify has launched a 20-day campaign highlighting major user data moments, from the most-streamed song of all time to the ultimate breakup anthem. Along with this nostalgic celebration, the music streaming giant has also introduced a refreshed app icon.
Startup Ecosystem News: WaveX Is Building the Next Generation of India’s AVGC-XR Startups
India’s AVGC-XR startup ecosystem is receiving a major push with the launch of the Media Tech Startup Incubator by WaveX and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Designed specifically for AVGC-XR startups, the initiative reflects a growing focus on supporting innovation across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR, immersive media, and digital storytelling technologies.
International Industry News: Global Partnerships Are Expanding India’s AVGC-XR Vision
India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem is steadily becoming more global, and the five-year partnership with the University of York, United Kingdom, highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in creative technology education and innovation.
AVGC-XR Industry News: India’s Creative Technology Ecosystem Is Expanding Rapidly
India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem is evolving into a powerful national platform connecting talent, technology, startups, and global industry partnerships. The focus is now shifting toward building a future-ready creative economy powered by animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR, and immersive storytelling.
India’s Esports Revolution Is Expanding Beyond Tournaments
India’s esports ecosystem is entering a new phase of growth as the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) announced strategic partnerships with The Zenfluencers, YOLOgram Style Pvt. Ltd., and Eruditio Consultants during India Gaming Show 2026. For the esports industry, these collaborations represent more than educational tie-ups — they signal the growing recognition of esports as a serious career, business, and technology-driven industry in India.
India’s Creative Tech Future Gets a Boost with Green Rain Studios Partnership
Green Rain Studios’ partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) marks a major step toward strengthening India’s real-time production and immersive media ecosystem. As India’s first Unreal Authorized Training Center, Green Rain Studios brings deep expertise in Unreal Engine, virtual production, and real-time workflows — technologies that are rapidly transforming global filmmaking, gaming, animation, and XR industries.
Comic Con News: A New Era for Indian Comics, Gaming and Pop Culture Creators
Comic Con India’s partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) marks an exciting step forward for India’s growing comics, pop culture, gaming, and creator ecosystem. Through the newly signed MoU, Comic Con India will collaborate with IICT on student engagement programs, original IP development, masterclasses, hackathons, internships, and student showcases at Comic Con events across the country.
Netflix India and FICCI Join Hands with IICT to Power India’s Creative Future
India’s AVGC-XR industry is getting a major push as Netflix India partners with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and FICCI to support the next generation of animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR talent.
IICT: India’s Big Leap Into the Future of AVGC-XR
India is making a serious play for the future of creative technology with the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), now positioned as the country’s National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR — Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality. Based in Mumbai, IICT is expected to become the driving force behind India’s next generation of digital storytelling, immersive media, and entertainment innovation.
GDC 2026: The Ultimate Gathering for Game Developers and Industry Innovators
GDC 2026 is set to bring together game developers, designers, publishers, artists, programmers, AI innovators, and gaming industry leaders from around the world for five immersive days of learning, networking, collaboration, and groundbreaking discussions shaping the future of gaming.
SIGGRAPH 2026 and SIGGRAPH Asia 2026: The Global Future of Computer Graphics and Interactive Innovation
SIGGRAPH 2026 and SIGGRAPH Asia 2026 are set to unite the world’s leading researchers, developers, artists, filmmakers, engineers, and technology innovators to explore the next generation of computer graphics, artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, animation, gaming, and interactive technologies through world-class conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
gamescom 2026: The World’s Biggest Gaming Festival Returns to Cologne
gamescom 2026 is gearing up to deliver another massive celebration of gaming culture, bringing together developers, publishers, esports fans, creators, cosplayers, and millions of gaming enthusiasts from around the globe for five unforgettable days of announcements, hands-on demos, tournaments, and immersive entertainment experiences.
SIGGRAPH 2026: The Global Stage for Computer Graphics and Interactive Innovation
SIGGRAPH 2026 is set to unite the world’s leading researchers, developers, artists, filmmakers, engineers, and technology innovators for five immersive days dedicated to the future of computer graphics, AI, visual effects, interactive media, virtual reality, and digital storytelling.
Annecy Festival 2026: The World’s Biggest Celebration of Animation Returns to France
Annecy Festival 2026 is set to once again transform the beautiful French Alps into the global capital of animation, bringing together filmmakers, studios, artists, students, and animation enthusiasts for a week filled with screenings, premieres, networking, creativity, and industry-defining innovation.
Unreal Fest 2026: Where Creators, Developers, and Innovation Converge
Unreal Fest 2026 is set to bring together game developers, creators, technical artists, filmmakers, architects, and real-time technology enthusiasts from around the world to explore the future of Unreal Engine, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge digital creation.
AI Experience Lab Events 2026: Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence Through Innovation and Collaboration
AI Experience Lab Events 2026 brings together innovators, AI professionals, developers, business leaders, and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and emerging digital technologies through immersive experiences and interactive sessions.
Mumbai Comic Con 2026: India’s Biggest Pop Culture Festival Is Back
Mumbai Comic Con 2026 is all set to bring together comic lovers, anime fans, gamers, cosplayers, and pop culture enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend filled with entertainment, creativity, and fandom celebrations.
Broadcast Budget Shrinks: What It Means for the Industry
Discover the implications of the significant year-on-year budget reduction in the broadcast segment and what it could mean for future content and production.
View Conference 2026 Unveils Trailblazer Awards Winners
Discover the visionary winners of the View Conference 2026 Trailblazer Awards, celebrating innovation in animation, VFX, games, and computer graphics.
Unveiling the Magic Behind 'The Wild Robot'
Dive into the captivating world of DreamWorks' 'The Wild Robot' and discover the animation prowess bringing this beloved story to life.
The Content Hub x VAM Summit 2026: Star-Studded Line-up Revealed!
Discover the incredible creative talent announced for The Content Hub x VAM Summit 2026. Get ready for an inspiring showcase of industry leaders and innovators.
Debunking Game Dev Myths with Industry Leader Nikhil Malankar
Nikhil Malankar of GameEon Studios shares insights on game development, debunks myths, and advises aspiring developers on skills, community, and future tech.
WAVES Summit 2025: Key Takeaways for Media & Entertainment
The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai wasn't just another industry conference—it was a defining moment for India's creative economy. Held from May 1-4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, the summit brought together over 10,000 delegates from 90+ countries, marking India's bold declaration to become a global media and entertainment powerhouse. The event generated Rs 1,328 crores in business deals and established India as a serious player in the global creative landscape.
Valorant Has just experienced the biggest upgrade in its lifetime: Here’s everything you need to know about it.
First launched in 2020, Valorant has grown to become one of the most popular Tactical FPS shooters in the world. With a diverse agent list, low system requirements and a remarkably cheater-free environment, it’s no wonder why. The games fun, visually appealing and competitive – The holy trifecta of any online shooter. On July 29th, 2025, Valorant Made one of the most significant technical changes in its history, migrating from Unreal Engine 4.27 to Unreal Engine 5.23, rolled out with the massive 21GB patch 11.02. This is the game’s first engine haul since 2020, laying the foundations for the future Riot’s game development. It was such a huge change, riot scrapped patch 11.01, dedicating all their resources to the game engine upgrade. It’s a move that demonstrates commitment to keeping Valorant updated and relevant. Developers completely rebuilt the game's core systems while maintaining the same gameplay experience that millions of players are used to. UE5 offers them new tools, experiences and capabilities, allowing finer and more optimal development of the game for the future.
The Future of Learning: Tata and Harley’s new methods of Training
The way we learn job skills is changing dramatically, and is now being adopted in the most unlikely of places: Tata Consultancy Services and Harley-Davidson. Both organizations are using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to train their employees in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. From complex software troubleshooting to motorcycle maintenance, immersive technologies are making professional training more effective and accessible than ever before.
The Future of Animation in India: Original IPs vs Outsourcing
India's animation industry stands at a thrilling crossroads. With a market valuation of USD 1.89 billion in 2023 and projections to reach USD 25 billion by 2032, the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth at a CAGR of 37.76%. But the real question isn't just about size—it's about identity. Will India remain the world's animation factory, or will it emerge as a creator of original stories that captivate global audiences?
Hybrid Learning Models for Creative Tech: What Works
The creative technology sector has unique educational challenges. How do you teach someone to be a visual effects artist, game designer, or animator when the field demands both technical precision and artistic vision? The answer? Hybrid learning models that combine the best of online flexibility with hands-on, in-person experiences. As the creative tech industry evolves rapidly, so must the way we prepare the next generation of digital artists and technicians.
Hollywood to Bollywood: The Expanding Role of Indian VFX Houses
Indian VFX studios have quietly become the backbone of global entertainment. From Marvel's universe-spanning epics to Bollywood's mythological spectacles, Indian artists are behind the visual magic that defines modern cinema. What started as a cost-effective outsourcing solution has evolved into something far more significant—a creative partnership that's reshaping both Hollywood and Bollywood.