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 evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most promising segment of the games industry. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle the administrative side. 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 business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business acumen is still crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom week. Hammes explained that aligning the two conferences creates a seamless experience for attendees. "We now have a strong partner in Gamescom, and that brings many practical benefits.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little connection between them. Today there is a single ticket portal that gives you access to everything—from Monday through Friday you can attend the Gamescom Dev program and then move over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing a second pass." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition.
"It shouldn't be about hitting a specific quota of speakers or sessions. The market is becoming more specialised, and we aim to match supply with genuine demand rather than inflate the schedule for its own sake." He also noted that the venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—places a natural ceiling on how much the event can grow. "We are currently fitting comfortably within the space, but there is limited room for expansion.
If the industry continues its current trajectory, we may eventually need a larger site or a closer physical integration with Gamescom itself." Looking ahead, Hammes said the long‑term plan is not to dramatically increase the size of Gamescom Dev unless the industry’s democratisation of development demands it. "If smaller studios keep proliferating and the barrier to entry keeps falling, we’ll need more space to accommodate everyone. That could mean a bigger venue or a tighter partnership with Gamescom, but we’re not rushing into that decision." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe discontinued its European edition.
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 strong sense of community behind the scenes. Both conferences serve different companies and cultures.
Everyone wants to be profitable, but it’s not a cut‑throat battle. The industry is like a global circus—people travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and fostering growth. If all conferences thrive, the whole sector benefits." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors have created a difficult operating environment for them. "We hope the situation improves for our colleagues at GDC, because a healthy ecosystem benefits everyone," he added.
A notable new feature of this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits—private, one‑day gatherings where senior executives can converse without media, microphones, or recordings. Hammes believes that providing a confidential setting is essential given the turbulent market conditions. "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 they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they had received bad news.
It’s a clear sign of how challenging the environment is. Leaders often feel pressure to project strength, but these summits allow them to be candid and discuss real concerns." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers consider AI the most transformative development for the next three years, only 11 % view AI literacy as the top skill to cultivate.
Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t steer the industry through upcoming changes. "The data suggests we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it. In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. That tells us the industry recognises change is coming and is looking for people—not just technology—to guide them through it." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leadership development is emerging as the cornerstone for navigating future challenges such as AI integration.
Gamescom Dev aims to serve as a comprehensive platform where creators can sharpen both their craft and their business sense, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly specialised and competitive market.