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 evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most promising segment of the gaming industry. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management does not disappear. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the day‑to‑day administration," he says.
"I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can soak up production expertise, programming insights, creative direction, and design fundamentals, while also gaining the knowledge required to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the tools become, the commercial side remains crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, has effectively become an extension of the broader Gamescom week. Hammes believes aligning the two conferences offers clear benefits for attendees and partners alike.
"Being closer to Gamescom makes a lot of sense," he notes. "We now have a strong, well‑known partner on our side, which simplifies things for people who might not be familiar with the previous format.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little crossover. Now everything is consolidated under a single ticketing portal. If you purchase a pass, you can attend the Gamescom Dev programme from Monday to Friday and then walk over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing another ticket." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition. "It shouldn’t be about hitting a target figure," he asserts. "We’re guided by supply and demand, and the market is becoming increasingly specialised. Our focus is on relevance and depth rather than sheer volume." A practical limitation for Gamescom Dev is the physical space of the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the venue currently accommodates the programme, Hammes acknowledges that growth prospects are constrained. "There’s only so much room to expand within the existing halls," he says. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue. The democratization of game development—more small teams entering the field—could eventually demand more space to serve everyone effectively." Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 shares a similar audience and agenda, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the global development community.
"We’re separate organisations, each with our own goals," he explains. "Everyone wants to be profitable, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry feels like a worldwide circus where people travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and fostering growth. If all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits." He also comments on the recent challenges faced by GDC, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created difficulties, and he hopes for a swift resolution.
A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking openly," Hammes says.
"During the first summit, we raised our hands to acknowledge how many of us had delivered bad news that year, and every hand went up. The environment is undeniably tough right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but these summits create a safe space for honest dialogue about the challenges we face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. 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.
"That discrepancy is telling," Hammes observes. "It could mean we’re either over‑hyping AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it. In reality, the survey shows that leadership is deemed the most critical capability, with 27 % of respondents ranking it highest.
This suggests that industry players recognize change is inevitable, but they’re looking for people who can guide teams through it, rather than relying solely on technical know‑how." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux: small studios are emerging as a powerful force, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leadership—more than any single technology—will be the compass that steers developers through the evolving landscape. As Gamescom Dev continues to adapt, its role as a central hub for both creative and business education remains vital for the next generation of game makers.