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 the most promising segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains 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 outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting and the day‑to‑day administration," he says.
"What I like to imagine about Gamescom Dev is that it offers a one‑stop shop for everything a tiny studio might need – from production techniques and code craftsmanship to design inspiration and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the tools become, the commercial side stays vital." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the famous Gamescom week.
Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single banner brings clear advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that partnership simplifies things for attendees," he notes.
"Previously we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems, which could be confusing. Today there’s a single ticket portal, a unified schedule, and visitors can move freely between the Gamescom Dev programme and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday. It’s truly a Gamescom business week." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition. "Success isn’t about hitting arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand and recognising that the market is becoming increasingly specialised," he says. One practical limitation, however, is the venue itself.
The Confex Center at Koelnmesse, while adequate for the current scale, offers limited capacity for future expansion. Hammes acknowledges that if the industry’s growth trajectory continues, the event may need to relocate or physically integrate more closely with Gamescom to accommodate a broader audience. "We’re not planning a massive expansion just yet because that would require a more intimate link with Gamescom’s main site, which is a possibility down the line," he explains. "If the democratization of game development continues – with more indie and micro‑studios entering the field – we’ll inevitably need more space to serve everyone effectively." Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 (GDC) targets a similar demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes stresses that he views the two events as complementary rather than competitive. "There’s a genuine sense of community behind the scenes," he says. "Both organisations are separate businesses, each trying to stay profitable, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus where people travel from one conference to the next. If all of us thrive, the whole sector benefits. Right now GDC is facing some challenges due to external circumstances, and we hope those issues resolve quickly.
Ultimately, a healthy ecosystem means all conferences can coexist and prosper." A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda this year is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private forum—free from press, microphones and recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market.
Hammes believes such safe spaces are essential for candid dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarks. "When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they’d delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they’d heard bad news about their own companies.
The environment is undeniably tough right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. Providing a room where they can be honest about challenges is crucial for navigating uncertainty together." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers anticipate AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate. Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t steer the industry through upcoming changes. "You could argue we’re over‑hyping 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," he says. "That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We need people who can guide teams, make strategic decisions and inspire confidence as we adapt to new realities." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of innovation, the conference ecosystem is consolidating for greater clarity, and the need for strong, transparent leadership is becoming more pronounced than ever. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its focus remains on equipping developers—big and small—with the knowledge, tools, and community support necessary to thrive in a rapidly shifting gaming landscape.