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 prospect within the gaming sector. "You can achieve more with fewer staff, yet the business side never disappears," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your team is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and marketing.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative input, design guidance, and also learn the essentials of running a business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the overall Gamescom experience into a full‑week program. Hammes explained that aligning the two events under a single banner brings clear advantages. "Having a strong partner like Gamescom behind us simplifies things for attendees.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now there is a single ticket portal, and everything you need is available in one place. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday through Friday, and anyone who purchases a ticket can also attend the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week." This year’s agenda features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game.
"We shouldn’t chase arbitrary targets; it’s always about supply and demand. The market is becoming more specialised, and we aim to reflect that in our programming rather than simply inflating the count of speakers or panels." One practical limitation Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present scale of Gamescom Dev, there is "limited room to grow" within its walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the conference may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. "We are not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a more permanent physical proximity to Gamescom, which is an option we are keeping open. If the democratisation of game development continues—if more small studios emerge—we’ll need additional space to serve everyone effectively," he added.
Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
"There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes. We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a global circus—people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and networking. If all events thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond the conference’s control have created difficulties.
"We hope the situation improves for them and for everyone involved," Hammes said. A fresh addition to this year’s schedule is the Leadership Summit series. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market candidly.
Hammes stressed the importance of such "safe spaces" for leaders to speak openly. "It’s not just about listening; it’s about speaking up and exchanging ideas. When we opened the room, every hand went up for those who had delivered bad news or heard bad news about their company in the past year.
It’s a tough environment right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project strength. We want to give them a venue where they can be honest without fearing reputational damage." 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 as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t suffice.
"You could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the real takeaway is that leadership tops the list of essential skills, with 27 % of respondents naming it as the most important. This suggests the industry recognises that change is inevitable, and we need people—not just technology—to navigate it." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Hammes’ direction is positioning itself as a comprehensive resource for small studios seeking both creative and commercial guidance, while also fostering a collaborative atmosphere among larger conferences. By consolidating ticketing, expanding programming, and introducing private leadership forums, the event aims to support the evolving needs of developers of all sizes as the gaming landscape continues to shift toward greater inclusivity and innovation.