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 explains that while compact teams can punch above their weight in terms of creative output, the need for solid business management never disappears. "You can accomplish a lot with a handful of people, but the commercial side still has to be handled," he says. "Even a three‑person studio needs someone to look after contracts, finances, and marketing.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can soak up expertise in production, programming, design, and artistry, while also gaining practical insight into running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the fundamentals of running a company remain crucial." The event, originally known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, a move that effectively stretches the overall Gamescom experience into a full week of industry activities.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive offering for attendees. "There are solid arguments for bringing the two conferences closer together," he notes. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which brings many practical benefits. Previously, participants had to navigate two separate ticketing systems, two distinct schedules, and essentially two disconnected experiences.
Now everything is consolidated under a single ticket portal. If you purchase a pass, you can attend Gamescom Dev sessions from Monday to Friday and then seamlessly transition to the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week." This year’s program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game.
"We shouldn’t chase arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he asserts. "It’s really about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming more specialized, and we aim to reflect that specialization rather than simply inflating the schedule." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present scale of Gamescom Dev, there is limited room for further expansion. "At the moment the venue fits our needs, but we’re approaching a ceiling," he explains.
"If the industry continues its rapid growth, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. The future could demand more space, especially as smaller studios proliferate and the democratization of game development accelerates." Gamescom 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 (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the global development community. "We’re separate organizations, each with our own goals," he says. "Everyone wants to turn a profit, but the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think.
The industry feels like a worldwide circus where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships. Success for one event often translates into success for the whole ecosystem." Hammes also expresses empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, attributing them to external factors rather than internal missteps, and hopes for a swift recovery. "Our colleagues at GDC are facing difficulties that stem from the broader environment they operate in," he remarks. "I sincerely wish them a quick turnaround, because a thriving GDC benefits everyone in our field." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These intimate, one‑day gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent market conditions. "The purpose isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes explains. "When we launched the summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news, and again every hand stayed raised.
It’s a stark reminder of how challenging the current climate is. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we need a safe space where they can admit vulnerability and seek collective solutions." 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 for professionals to acquire. "That discrepancy is telling," Hammes observes.
"It could mean we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it. In reality, the survey shows that 27 % of respondents view leadership as the most critical competency. This suggests that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but the answer isn’t new technology alone—it’s strong leadership that will guide teams through uncertainty." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux, where small studios hold significant promise, venues may need to adapt, and leaders must foster open dialogue to navigate upcoming challenges. Gamescom Dev aims to serve as both an educational platform and a community hub, equipping developers with the creative, technical, and managerial tools required to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.