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 the most promising segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that even though a tiny team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling the business side of operations does not disappear. "You can accomplish a great deal with just a handful of people, but someone still has to manage the commercial aspects," he says.
"I envision Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access everything they need—production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insight—and also gain practical guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." The event, originally known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom exhibition into a full‑week business program.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events more closely brings significant advantages. "There are strong arguments for bringing Gamescom Dev nearer to the main Gamescom schedule," he notes.
"We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Today everything is consolidated under a single ticketing portal. If you purchase a pass, you can attend the business week from Monday to Friday and then seamlessly transition to the consumer‑focused Gamescom later in the week." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success should not be measured solely by headcount. "It shouldn't become a numbers game where we chase arbitrary targets," he asserts. "The market is naturally self‑regulating; we’re seeing a trend toward greater specialization.
Quality and relevance matter more than sheer volume." One practical limitation Hammes highlights is the venue itself. The event currently occupies the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, a space that accommodates the present scale but offers limited capacity for future expansion. "At the moment the venue fits our needs, but there’s only so much room left to grow," he explains.
"If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may eventually need to relocate or enlarge the space to stay close to Gamescom. The plan isn’t to balloon the event dramatically right now, because that would require a major logistical shift, possibly moving physically nearer to the main fair.
Should the democratization of game development continue—more indie teams, more accessible tools—we’ll need additional room to serve that broader community." Gamescom Dev traces its origins to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. While 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 distinct organizations, each with our own identity," he says.
"Everyone wants to be profitable, but the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think. The industry functions like a global circus—in a positive sense—where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building networks. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together.
When one conference faces challenges, such as the current difficulties GDC is experiencing due to external conditions, we hope the situation improves for everyone because a healthy ecosystem benefits all." A noteworthy addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent market landscape. "The purpose isn’t merely to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes explains. "During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year.
Every hand went up. When we asked who had received bad news from their own companies, the same result occurred.
The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressured to project confidence and stability, which can stifle honest dialogue. By offering a safe space, we encourage them to be vulnerable, share setbacks, and collectively brainstorm solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers anticipate AI will be the most transformative development for the industry over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire. "What does that tell us?
Perhaps we over‑estimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it," Hammes reflects. "My takeaway is that the most critical competency isn’t a specific technology but leadership. About 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the key skill. This suggests that industry professionals recognize impending change and understand that technology alone won’t navigate it.
They need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for small studios, a bridge between creative innovation and solid business practice, and a forum where industry leaders can candidly address the challenges of a rapidly evolving market. By maintaining a focused, high‑quality programme and nurturing a collaborative atmosphere, the event aims to support the next wave of game developers while preparing them for the complexities of tomorrow’s gaming landscape.