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 independent, smaller development studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the gaming industry. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explained to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of 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 developers can access everything they need—production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insight, and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business fundamentals are still the backbone of success." The event, originally known as Devcom, underwent a rebranding in August 2025 to become Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience dedicated to developers. "There are strong arguments for bringing the developer conference closer to the main Gamescom event," Hammes said. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical benefits.
For attendees, the logistics are simpler: previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little integration between them. Today, everything is consolidated under a single ticketing platform. If you purchase a pass, you gain access to the entire Gamescom business week—from Monday through Friday—and you can freely move between the developer sessions and the broader Gamescom exhibition.
This unified approach makes it easier for newcomers to understand and participate in both sides of the industry." This year’s program features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 different stages. "We don’t want this to become a pure numbers game," Hammes cautioned. "It’s not about hitting arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals. The market is naturally moving toward greater specialization, and we aim to match supply with genuine demand rather than inflating the schedule for its own sake." Despite the ambitious programming, Hammes acknowledges that the current venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—places a ceiling on how much the event can expand physically.
"At present, the show fits comfortably within the existing space, but there is limited room for further growth," he noted. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may eventually need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue. The democratization of game development, with more small studios entering the field, could soon outstrip the capacity of our current facilities, prompting us to seek additional space to accommodate everyone." 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) naturally competes for similar audiences and topics, Hammes emphasizes a collaborative rather than adversarial relationship.
"We’re separate entities, each with our own goals, but there’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he said. "Everyone wants to be profitable, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a global circus where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building networks. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together.
At the moment, GDC is facing some challenges due to external conditions, and I sincerely hope those issues improve. When one conference does well, it lifts the entire ecosystem." A notable new feature of the Gamescom Dev agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits—one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings where senior executives can speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recording devices. Hammes believes such a "safe space" is essential given the turbulent market conditions. "These summits are less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explained.
"When we first held one, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news in the past year—every hand went up. We then asked how many had received bad news about their own companies—again, every hand stayed raised. The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a venue where they can be honest about difficulties and discuss strategies openly." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the sector.
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. "What does that tell us? It suggests we either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it," Hammes reflected. "In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership.
That indicates the industry recognizes change is imminent, but it isn’t looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, it’s seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence. In short, we need people who can navigate the coming wave, not just technicians who can operate the tools." Overall, Hammes’s vision for Gamescom Dev is one of inclusive growth, where small studios receive the support they need to thrive, where business education goes hand‑in‑hand with creative development, and where industry leaders can discuss challenges openly.
By fostering a collaborative environment and adapting the event’s structure to better serve a diversifying audience, Gamescom Dev aims to remain a pivotal meeting point for the global games community, even as the landscape continues to evolve.