Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the latest Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that today’s most promising market segment belongs to smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management never disappears. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains.
"Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can soak up production know‑how, programming tricks, creative brainstorming, design theory, and also pick up the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, those business fundamentals stay vital." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom brand into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive offering for attendees.
"The case for bringing Gamescom Dev closer to the main Gamescom festival is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that partnership brings many practical benefits. Previously, participants had to navigate two separate conferences, purchase tickets from different platforms, and deal with a fragmented schedule.
Now everything is unified under a single ticketing system. Visitors can buy one pass on Monday and enjoy the full spectrum of sessions, workshops, and networking events through Friday, all under the umbrella of the Gamescom business week." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success shouldn’t be measured merely by numbers.
"It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarks. "We don't chase arbitrary targets; we respond to market demand.
The industry is becoming more specialized, and our focus is on delivering quality content that meets the evolving needs of developers, rather than simply inflating the schedule." A practical limitation for Gamescom Dev is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the existing programme, Hammes acknowledges that physical expansion may be necessary if the industry’s growth trajectory continues. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive enlargement because that would require us to move closer to the main Gamescom site, which is a possibility we’re keeping under review," he says.
"If the democratization of game creation continues—if more indie teams and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll eventually need more room to serve everyone effectively." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist rather than compete, fostering a collaborative community behind the scenes. "We’re distinct organizations," he notes.
"Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry feels like a global circus in a positive sense—professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and building relationships. It’s not about crushing rival events; it’s about collective success. When all conferences thrive, the whole sector benefits.
Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and we hope their situation improves soon." A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," Hammes explains. "When we first launched the summit, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news that year; every hand went up.
We then asked how many had received bad news about their own company, and again, every hand stayed raised. The environment is undeniably tough right now. Leaders need a safe space to admit vulnerability, because at senior levels there’s often pressure to project confidence and stability. These summits aim to break that façade and encourage honest dialogue." The speaker survey also revealed a split view on artificial intelligence within the industry.
While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate. "How do we reconcile that?" Hammes asks. "One could argue we overestimate AI’s impact or underestimate our preparation for it.
My take is that neither is entirely correct. When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we don’t expect technology alone to rescue us.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set strategic direction, and foster a culture that can adapt to new tools like AI." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where small studios drive innovation, Gamescom Dev continues to integrate more tightly with the larger Gamescom ecosystem, and industry leaders prioritize human leadership over purely technical prowess. By expanding the event’s capacity, nurturing a collaborative conference landscape, and providing safe forums for candid discussion, Gamescom Dev aims to support the next generation of game creators while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving market.