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 promising segment of the gaming market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management never disappears. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances and licensing," he explains.
"Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where developers can soak up production expertise, coding tricks, creative direction and design insights, while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business in an industry where technology alone isn’t enough." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now benefits from a tighter integration with the flagship Gamescom week. Hammes believes the alignment creates a stronger value proposition for attendees. "Having Gamescom Dev sit alongside Gamescom gives us a massive partner and a host of practical advantages," he says.
"Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems and a confusing split for visitors. Now it’s a single ticket shop, a unified schedule, and participants can move freely between the development‑focused sessions and the broader Gamescom showcase from Monday through Friday. It simplifies the experience and makes the whole week feel like a cohesive business and creative festival." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions, however, that success shouldn’t be measured solely by numbers.
"We’re not chasing a quota of talks or attendees," he notes. "The market is becoming more specialised, and the real metric is whether we’re meeting the demand for the right kind of content and networking opportunities." Space constraints remain a practical challenge. The event is currently housed in the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, a venue that comfortably accommodates the existing schedule but leaves little room for future expansion. Hammes acknowledges that if the industry’s growth trajectory continues, Gamescom Dev may need to consider a larger footprint or even a closer physical integration with Gamescom itself.
"We’re not planning a massive scale‑up just yet," he says, "but if the democratization of game development keeps accelerating—more small teams, more indie projects—we’ll eventually need more room to serve that community." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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 targets a similar audience, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist rather than compete. "There’s a genuine sense of community behind the scenes," he remarks. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is a global circus, and people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships. If one event thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent logistical challenges, hoping the situation improves for all parties.
A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the Leadership Summit series. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no recordings, no microphones—to discuss the volatile state of the market.
Hammes believes such a “safe space” is essential for candid dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he says.
He recounts a recent summit where every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news that year, underscoring the difficulty leaders face in projecting confidence while navigating uncertainty. "We want leaders to feel comfortable admitting challenges, because transparency can lead to better collective solutions," Hammes adds.
The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers view AI as the most transformative development for the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire.
Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t drive success. "It’s not that we over‑estimate AI or under‑prepare for it; the real priority emerging from the data is leadership," he explains. "Twenty‑seven percent of respondents named leadership as the most critical skill. That tells us the industry recognizes change is coming, but we’re looking for people who can guide teams through it, not just technologists who can code the next algorithm." In summary, Frederik Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and the need for strong, transparent leadership is rising to the forefront.
Gamescom Dev aims to evolve alongside these trends, offering a platform where creative talent, technical know‑how, and business acumen intersect, while also providing a supportive environment for executives to navigate the challenges of a rapidly shifting market.