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 emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate resources to business management, underscoring that the creative and technical side cannot ignore the commercial side of the operation. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains.
"Even if you’re just a trio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and marketing. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. Technology may evolve rapidly, but the need for solid business acumen stays constant." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes that aligning the two events offers tangible benefits for attendees and partners alike.
"The case for bringing Gamescom Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a strong, high‑profile partner behind us, which brings a host of advantages. From a practical standpoint, it simplifies the visitor journey.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Today everything is consolidated into a single ticket portal. If you purchase a pass, you can attend the business‑focused sessions from Monday to Friday and then seamlessly transition to the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game, noting that growth should be guided by genuine demand rather than arbitrary targets. "It shouldn’t be about hitting a specific speaker count or session total," he remarks. "We’re seeing a trend toward specialization, and the market will dictate the right scale." A practical limitation for further expansion is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the event comfortably, Hammes acknowledges that space constraints could become a bottleneck if the industry continues its rapid expansion.
"At the moment we’re not planning a massive enlargement because that would require us to move physically closer to Gamescom, which is a possibility we’re keeping under review," he says. "If the democratization of game development continues – with more indie and micro‑studios entering the field – we’ll eventually need additional capacity to serve that broader audience." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and agenda, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit that pervades the industry.
"We’re separate organisations, each with our own goals, but the overall ecosystem benefits when everyone thrives," he notes. "The industry is a global circus in the best sense – professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and building relationships.
It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about collective success. Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and we hope those issues improve soon.
When all conferences do well, the whole sector gains." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market.
"The purpose isn’t merely to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange perspectives," Hammes explains. "When we launched the summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year. Every hand went up. We then asked who had heard bad news about their own company; again, every hand stayed raised.
It’s a tough climate right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. By offering a safe space, we enable honest dialogue about the challenges we face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of presenters believe AI will be the most transformative force over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to cultivate. "How do we reconcile that?
One could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes says. "My take is that neither is true. When you ask what skill truly matters, 27 % of respondents point to leadership.
That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set clear visions, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a pivotal platform that supports the burgeoning indie sector while also delivering critical business education. By consolidating tickets, expanding programming, and introducing confidential leadership forums, the event aims to meet the evolving needs of a diversifying industry. As smaller studios continue to prove their agility and creative potential, the demand for accessible knowledge—both technical and commercial—will only grow, positioning Gamescom Dev as a central hub for the next generation of game creators.