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 significant growth opportunity within the broader games market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains to GamesIndustry.biz.
"Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business acumen remains crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom experience into a full‑week program. Hammes says the rebranding was intended to bring the two gatherings closer together, creating a seamless experience for attendees. "We now have a strong, established partner in Gamescom, and that brings a host of advantages. Practically speaking, it simplifies things for people who might not have been familiar with the separate conferences before.
Previously there were two ticketing systems, two sets of passes, and little overlap. Today there is a single ticket portal that gives you access to everything from Monday through Friday.
If you purchase a ticket, you can also wander over to the main Gamescom floor during the same week." This year’s schedule is packed with 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Hammes cautions, however, that the emphasis should not be on sheer numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game. We don't need to hit arbitrary targets.
It's really about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming more specialized, and we want to reflect that in the programming rather than simply adding more talks for the sake of it." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present edition of Gamescom Dev, there is "limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the event may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue. "We aren't planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a more permanent physical proximity to Gamescom, which is a possibility for the future. If the democratization of game development continues—if smaller studios keep multiplying—we'll need more room to serve everyone." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations.
Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. He emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry, noting a strong sense of community behind the scenes. "We are separate companies, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus—in a good way—where people travel from one conference to another. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together." Hammes also expressed concern for GDC’s current difficulties, which stem from external environmental factors beyond the conference’s control. He hopes the situation improves and that all conferences can continue to serve their audiences effectively. A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide top executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can discuss the turbulent state of the market openly. Hammes stresses the importance of such a "safe space" for candid conversation. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas.
When we opened the room, everyone raised their hand to acknowledge they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed up when asked if they had heard bad news about their own companies. The environment is tricky right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. We want a setting where they can be honest without fearing reputational damage." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative development for the industry over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate.
Hammes interprets this discrepancy as a signal that technical expertise alone won’t steer the future. "You could argue we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but I think the real answer lies elsewhere.
The survey shows that 27 % of respondents view leadership as the most critical skill. That tells us: we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is consolidating for greater accessibility, and the need for strong leadership is outpacing the hype around emerging technologies. Gamescom Dev aims to be the nexus where creators, developers, and business minds converge, sharing knowledge and building the networks necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of game development.