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 today’s most promising market segment consists of smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling the business side of operations does not disappear. "Even a three‑person studio has to assign someone to manage contracts, finances, and marketing," he explains. "Gamescom Dev aims to be 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 sustainable business.
Despite rapid technological advances, solid business acumen remains crucial for long‑term success." The event, formerly known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week program. Hammes believes the alignment with the flagship Gamescom brand brings tangible benefits.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees," he says. "Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy. Today everything is consolidated under a single ticket portal, allowing participants to move freely between the Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured solely by numbers.
"It isn’t a numbers game; it’s about matching supply with demand and responding to an increasingly specialized market," he notes. He adds that the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, is reaching its capacity limits.
While the space still accommodates the event, any significant growth would likely require a larger footprint or a closer physical integration with the main Gamescom site. Looking ahead, Hammes acknowledges that the democratization of game development—driven by accessible tools and the rise of indie studios—could force the conference to expand further.
"If the trend toward smaller, more agile studios continues, we’ll need more room to serve that community," he says, hinting at possible future relocation or expansion plans. Gamescom Dev’s origins trace back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
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 stresses the collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes in the industry. "We’re separate entities, each striving for profitability, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The global conference circuit functions like a circus where everyone travels from one event to another, and the health of one conference reflects the health of the whole ecosystem." Hammes also comments on the challenges currently facing GDC, noting that external factors have created operational difficulties for the event. He expresses hope that conditions improve for GDC’s organizers and participants, underscoring his belief that a thriving conference landscape benefits everyone involved. A notable addition to this year’s Gamescom Dev agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market. Hammes explains the importance of such a “safe space.” "It’s less about listening and more about speaking openly," he says. "When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they had delivered bad news or received negative updates within the past year. The consensus was clear: the environment is challenging, and leaders need a venue where they can be candid without the pressure to project unwavering confidence." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of presenters believe AI will be the most transformative development for the industry over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers must acquire. Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t steer the sector through upcoming changes. "Leadership emerged as the most critical competency, with 27 % of respondents naming it the key skill," he says.
"That tells us the industry recognizes that change is inevitable, but it’s not technology that will rescue us—it’s people who can guide teams through uncertainty." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Hammes’ direction is positioning itself as a comprehensive resource for both the creative and commercial aspects of game development, especially for smaller studios that embody the next wave of growth. By consolidating tickets, expanding programming, and fostering candid leadership dialogue, the conference aims to support a more specialized, resilient, and collaborative gaming ecosystem.