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 the most promising segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while compact teams can deliver impressive creative output, the need for solid business management does not disappear.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administrative tasks.
I see Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, coding know‑how, design insight, and creative mentorship, while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. Technology may evolve, but the fundamentals of entrepreneurship stay critical." The event, formerly known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week program. Hammes believes this alignment creates a stronger, more cohesive offering for attendees.
"The case for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner on our side, which brings numerous practical benefits. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between the events.
Today, everything is consolidated under a single ticketing platform. Visitors can purchase one pass and attend both the Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibitions from Monday through Friday, creating a seamless business week experience." This year’s schedule features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "We don’t aim to hit arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand," he notes. "The market is becoming increasingly specialized, and we want to cater to those niches rather than simply swelling the crowd." A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, Hammes acknowledges that physical growth is constrained. "There’s limited room to expand within the existing halls," he admits.
"If the industry continues its rapid trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue. The democratization of game development—more indie and micro‑studios entering the field—could eventually demand more floor space to serve everyone adequately." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, filling the void left when GDC Europe discontinued its European edition. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and agenda, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit that runs behind the scenes. "We’re separate entities, each with our own business models, but the industry isn’t a zero‑sum game," he says.
"Everyone wants to profit, yet the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think. It’s more like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and building relationships. If one event thrives, the whole ecosystem benefits." He also expresses empathy for GDC’s current challenges, noting that external factors beyond their control have created difficulties.
Hammes hopes the situation improves for all parties involved. A notable addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits—exclusive, one‑day gatherings where senior industry figures can converse without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes stresses the importance of providing a confidential environment for leaders to discuss the volatile state of the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking openly," he explains. "During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news within the past year—every hand went up. When we asked who had received bad news, the same response occurred.
The industry is navigating a tricky landscape, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. These summits give them a safe space to admit challenges and exchange candid insights." The speaker survey also reveals a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers anticipate AI will be the most transformative force over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to cultivate. "That discrepancy is telling," Hammes observes.
"It suggests either we over‑estimate AI’s impact or we’re under‑preparing for it. In reality, the data points to leadership as the critical competency—27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most vital skill. This indicates that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but it’s not technology alone that will guide us through it.
We need leaders who can steer teams, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence amid uncertainty." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of growth, the conference ecosystem is consolidating for greater efficiency, and the need for strong, adaptable leadership is more pressing than ever. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its focus remains on equipping creators—big and small—with the knowledge, networks, and business acumen required to thrive in an ever‑shifting gaming landscape.