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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the gaming market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explained to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle the commercial side of things.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, development best practices, creative guidance, design insight, and also learn the fundamentals of running a business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen stays crucial." The event, originally known as Devcom, underwent a rebranding in August 2025 to become Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full week of industry‑focused programming.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events more closely offers clear advantages. "We now have a strong, established partner in Gamescom, and that brings many practical benefits.
Previously, attendees had to navigate two separate conferences, buy tickets from different platforms, and manage two distinct schedules. Today everything is consolidated under a single ticketing system.
If you purchase a pass, you can attend the Gamescom Dev sessions from Monday to Friday and then seamlessly transition into the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week." This year’s edition features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game. "It’s not about hitting a target attendance figure; it’s about matching supply with demand.
We’re seeing the market become more specialized, and the programming reflects that shift." A limiting factor for further expansion is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout comfortably accommodates the schedule, Hammes notes that the space leaves "limited room to grow." Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the organizers may need to consider a larger venue or a tighter integration with the main Gamescom site. "We’re not planning a massive scale‑up right now because that would require a more permanent physical proximity to Gamescom, which is an option we’re keeping under review.
If the democratization of game development continues – with more small studios entering the field – we’ll inevitably need more space to serve everyone effectively." Gamescom Dev was launched in 2017 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 industry.
"We’re separate organizations, each aiming to make a profit, but the environment isn’t cut‑throat. The global conference circuit feels like a supportive circus – developers travel from one event to another, sharing insights and building relationships. It’s not about eliminating other conferences; it’s about ensuring the whole ecosystem thrives." Hammes also expressed sympathy for GDC’s recent challenges, attributing them to external factors rather than internal failings.
He hopes the situation improves and that all conferences can continue to serve their communities effectively. A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private space – free from press, microphones, or recordings – to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly. Hammes stresses the importance of such "safe spaces" for candid dialogue.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas. When we started the summit, everyone raised their hand to admit they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they’d heard bad news about their own companies. The current climate is undeniably tricky, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence.
By offering a confidential setting, we encourage honest conversation about the challenges we all face." The speaker survey also highlighted 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. Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical proficiency alone won’t drive success. "You might think we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the real takeaway is that leadership ranks highest – 27 % of respondents named it the most critical skill.
It shows the industry recognizes that change is coming, and what we need aren’t just new tools, but leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where smaller studios, empowered by accessible technology and collaborative ecosystems like Gamescom Dev, become the engine of innovation. The event’s evolution – from a separate conference to an integrated week‑long experience – reflects a broader industry trend toward specialization, community building, and a renewed focus on leadership amid rapid technological change.