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 gaming market offers its greatest potential to smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while compact teams can deliver impressive creative output, the need for solid business management never disappears. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains.
"Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administrative work. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, coding know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side stays vital." The event, originally known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full week of focused development content.
Hammes believes this integration brings substantial benefits. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which creates many practical advantages. For attendees, the process becomes much simpler.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything—from the development sessions to the main Gamescom exhibition—running Monday through Friday. If you purchase a ticket, you can move freely between the two events for the entire week." This year’s program features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 distinct stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game.
"We shouldn’t chase arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he notes. "It’s really about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming more specialized, and we aim to reflect that specialization in the content we curate." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself.
The Confex Center at Koelnmesse, while currently adequate, offers limited capacity for future expansion. He suggests that if the gaming sector continues its rapid growth trajectory, the event may eventually need to relocate or physically merge more closely with the main Gamescom grounds.
"At present we’re not planning a massive enlargement because that would require a more substantial move toward the core Gamescom site—a possibility we’re keeping under review," he says. "If the democratization of game development continues—if smaller studios keep proliferating—we’ll need additional space to accommodate everyone interested." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, created to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes prefers to view the two events as complementary rather than competitive. "We’re separate organizations, each with its own mission," he explains.
"Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as some might imagine. The industry feels like a global circus in a positive sense—people travel from one conference to the next, sharing ideas and building relationships.
It’s not about eliminating other events to become the sole platform. When all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits. Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external conditions, and I hope those issues improve soon.
Ultimately, we all want the industry to succeed." 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—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the games market candidly. "The goal isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak up and exchange ideas," Hammes says. "I was present when the first summit launched.
We asked the room to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news that year, and every hand went up. When we asked who had received bad news about their own company, the hands stayed raised. It’s a tough climate right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability. By offering a safe space, we encourage honest conversation about the challenges they face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the industry.
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 developers need to acquire. "How do we reconcile those figures?
One might think we’re over‑hyping AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "My conclusion is that neither is true.
When you ask what skill truly matters most, 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’re seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set strategic direction, and foster resilience.
In other words, people—not just tools—will determine how we navigate the AI era." Overall, Hammes’s vision for Gamescom Dev is one of inclusivity and adaptability. By catering to the needs of small studios, providing a consolidated ticketing experience, and fostering open dialogue among industry leaders, the event aims to remain a vital touchpoint for developers navigating a rapidly evolving market.
As the gaming landscape continues to democratize, the emphasis on leadership, business acumen, and community collaboration will likely shape the next chapter of Gamescom Dev and the broader industry alike.