Frederik Hammes, who succeeded Stephan Reichart as the managing director of Gamescom Dev earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that independent and smaller development studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the gaming market. 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 studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and licensing," he told GamesIndustry.biz.
"Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business, because regardless of how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side remains crucial."\n\nThe event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full week of industry‑focused programming. Hammes believes that aligning the two events brings clear advantages.
"We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies the experience for attendees," he said. "Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Today everything is consolidated into a single ticket portal, giving participants access to both the business‑oriented sessions of Gamescom Dev and the broader consumer‑facing shows of Gamescom from Monday through Friday."\n\nThis year’s schedule features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game. "It’s not about hitting arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he noted. "The market is becoming more specialized, and we focus on matching supply with demand rather than inflating the program for its own sake."\n\nA practical limitation for the event’s expansion is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, Hammes acknowledges that “there is limited room to grow.” Should the industry’s momentum continue, the conference may need to consider a larger site or a tighter integration with the main Gamescom venue. "We’re not planning a massive scale‑up right now because that would require a significant logistical shift, possibly moving physically closer to Gamescom," he explained. "If the democratization of game development continues—more small studios entering the field—we’ll eventually need more capacity to serve that broader community."\n\nGamescom Dev traces its origins 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 targets a similar audience, Hammes prefers to view the two events as complementary rather than competitive. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he said.
"We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the industry isn’t a zero‑sum game. When one conference thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem. Right now GDC is facing challenges due to external factors, and we hope those issues improve for them as well."\n\nA noteworthy addition to this year’s agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These intimate, one‑day gatherings allow senior executives to speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes emphasizes the importance of providing a safe environment for leaders to discuss the current turbulence in the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarked.
"During the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked how many had delivered bad news in the past year—everyone did. It’s a tough climate, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. By creating a private space, we enable honest dialogue about the challenges we all face."\n\nThe 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 developers need to acquire. Hammes interprets this gap as a signal that technical expertise alone won’t drive success. "People either overestimate AI’s impact or underestimate the preparation required," he said.
"In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. That tells us the industry recognizes change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet—we’re looking for leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and help them adapt."\n\nOverall, Hammes’s vision for Gamescom Dev is one of measured growth, focused on nurturing small studios, fostering leadership, and ensuring that business acumen remains at the forefront of development discussions.
By integrating more closely with Gamescom, expanding educational offerings, and maintaining a venue that balances capacity with intimacy, the conference aims to support the evolving needs of a diverse and increasingly specialized gaming ecosystem.