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 a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling business responsibilities never disappears. "Even a three‑person studio has to assign someone to manage contracts, finances, and partnerships," he says. "Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, coding tips, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business acumen remains a cornerstone of success." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively stretches the entire Gamescom week. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences offers distinct advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously there were two separate ticketing systems, two distinct conference tracks, and little synergy between them.
Today it’s a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, letting participants flow seamlessly between the two experiences." This year’s program features 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Hammes cautions, however, that success shouldn’t be measured solely by numbers.
"It’s not a race to hit a specific count of talks or attendees. The market is becoming more specialized, and we must match supply with genuine demand rather than chasing arbitrary targets." A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present schedule, Hammes notes that there is "limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the conference may need to consider relocating closer to the main Gamescom site or securing a larger facility. "If the democratization of game development persists—more indie teams, more cross‑disciplinary collaboration—we’ll eventually need more room to host everyone interested." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, filling the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and topic range, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist rather than compete.
"We both want to generate revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry feels like a global circus where developers travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and networking. If one event thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem." He also comments on the challenges currently facing GDC, noting that external factors have created a difficult environment for the organizers.
"I hope conditions improve for them, because a healthy GDC benefits everyone." A notable addition to this year’s agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market. Hammes believes such safe spaces are vital for candid dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas.
When we opened the session, every hand went up for both delivering and receiving bad news in the past year. The climate is undeniably tough, and leaders need a venue where they can admit vulnerability without feeling they must constantly project confidence." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers view AI as the most transformative development for the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate. Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that the industry may be overestimating AI’s impact while under‑preparing for it, or perhaps the opposite. He concludes that the real priority is leadership, with 27 % of respondents naming it the most critical capability.
"We recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. What we need are leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and help them adapt." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux: smaller studios are emerging as a driving force, the conference ecosystem is consolidating for greater efficiency, and the emphasis is shifting from sheer scale to specialized, leadership‑focused growth.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a central meeting point for creators, business minds, and industry veterans will likely become even more pivotal in shaping the future of gaming.