Frederik Hammes, who succeeded Stephan Reichart as the managing director of Gamescom Dev earlier this year, points to the latest Gamescom Dev speaker survey as evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential within the gaming market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz.
"Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming insights, design guidance, creative inspiration, and, crucially, practical lessons on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the business side remains a cornerstone of success." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience. Hammes explained that aligning the two events brings clear advantages: "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that partnership simplifies things for attendees.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little cohesion between them. Today it’s a single ticket portal, a unified schedule, and the ability to move seamlessly between Gamescom Dev sessions and the broader Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautioned against treating the event as a pure numbers game: "Success isn’t about hitting arbitrary speaker or session counts.
It’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the industry is becoming increasingly specialised." However, the growth of Gamescom Dev is constrained by its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the existing programme, Hammes admits there is "limited room to expand". He hinted that if the industry’s trajectory continues, the organisers may need to consider a larger footprint or even a closer physical integration with the main Gamescom site.
"We’re not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a more substantial move nearer to Gamescom, which is a possibility we’re keeping under review. If the democratisation of game development continues—more small teams, more indie projects—we’ll eventually need additional capacity to serve everyone interested." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back 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 stresses that the relationship is collaborative rather than competitive.
"There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he said. "We’re separate organisations, each aiming to generate revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is a global circus in a positive sense—people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and networking.
If all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors have created a difficult operating environment for them. "I hope the situation improves for our colleagues at GDC, and that everyone can get back on solid footing," Hammes added.
A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private space—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the games market. Hammes highlighted the importance of such a "safe space": "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas.
When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they’d heard bad news about their own company. The current climate is undeniably tricky, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. Providing a confidential environment helps them be candid about challenges and seek collective solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split view 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 interpreted this disparity: "It suggests we either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it. In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. This tells us that the industry recognises change is coming, but it isn’t looking for a technological silver bullet.
Instead, it’s seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where smaller studios drive innovation and growth, provided they have access to both technical expertise and solid business guidance. Gamescom Dev aims to be that conduit, offering a comprehensive platform that blends creative development with pragmatic business education.
As the event continues to evolve—potentially expanding its physical footprint and deepening its partnership with Gamescom—it remains committed to supporting the diverse needs of today’s game creators, from solo developers to emerging indie teams, while championing the leadership qualities essential for navigating an ever‑changing industry landscape.