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 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 necessity of handling the business side of operations does not disappear.
"Even a three‑person studio needs someone to manage contracts, finances and partnerships," Hammes says. "That’s why I view Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, design insight and also practical guidance on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively stretches the entire Gamescom week. Hammes believes aligning the two conferences brings clear advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that creates synergies for attendees. Previously there were two separate ticketing systems, two distinct conferences and little connection between them.
Today it’s a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, allowing participants to move seamlessly between Gamescom Dev and the main Gamescom exhibition." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition. "Success isn’t about hitting a specific speaker count or session tally; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialized, and the content reflects that shift." Space constraints at the Confex Center in the Koelnmesse complex do impose a ceiling on growth, according to Hammes.
While the current venue comfortably accommodates the schedule, there is "limited room to expand". He notes that if the industry’s trajectory continues upward, the conference may need to consider a larger footprint or a tighter integration with Gamescom’s main site. "We’re not planning a massive expansion right now, but if the democratization of game development continues—more indie teams, more diverse creators—we’ll eventually need more room to serve everyone." 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 targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
He emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry, describing a "community behind the scenes" that transcends corporate boundaries. "We’re separate companies, each aiming for profitability, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry functions like a global circus—people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge rather than trying to eliminate each other. When all events thrive, the whole sector benefits." Hammes also expressed sympathy for GDC’s recent challenges, attributing them to broader environmental factors beyond the organizers’ control.
He hopes the situation improves for all parties involved. A notable addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits—single‑day gatherings reserved for senior executives to converse without media presence, microphones, or recordings. Hammes stresses the importance of providing a "safe space" where leaders can openly discuss the turbulent market conditions without the pressure to project unwavering confidence.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains. He recounts an opening poll where every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news within the past year, underscoring the difficulty of navigating the current climate. 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 to cultivate. Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t suffice.
"People either overestimate AI’s impact or underestimate the preparation needed, but the real takeaway is that leadership tops the list of essential capabilities—27 % of respondents chose it as the most important skill. This indicates that the industry recognizes change is coming and looks to strong leaders to guide the transition rather than hoping technology will solve everything on its own." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a comprehensive platform that supports small studios in scaling their creative ambitions while equipping them with the business acumen needed for longevity. By merging with Gamescom, simplifying ticketing, and adding focused leadership forums, the conference aims to foster a collaborative environment where both emerging and established developers can thrive.
As the market continues to fragment into niche specialties and the democratization of game creation accelerates, the need for inclusive, well‑structured events like Gamescom Dev becomes ever more critical for the health and evolution of the global gaming ecosystem.