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 belongs to smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a tiny team can punch above its weight, but the need for business acumen does not disappear. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains.
"If you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, 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 pick up the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, the commercial side stays crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, now operates under the Gamescom Dev banner, effectively extending the larger Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive experience for attendees.
"There are solid arguments for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical benefits.
Previously, we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems, making it confusing for newcomers. Today, everything is consolidated under a single ticket shop. Participants can purchase one pass and enjoy the full suite of activities from Monday through Friday, seamlessly moving between Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game. "Success isn’t about hitting a predetermined quota of talks or attendees," he notes.
"It’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the industry is becoming increasingly specialized." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably hosts the present format, it leaves little room for substantial expansion. "At the moment we’re constrained by the physical limits of the venue," he admits.
"If the gaming sector continues on its current trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. The democratization of game development—more indie and micro‑studios entering the market—means we’ll eventually require additional room to accommodate everyone." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, filling 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 prefers to view the relationship as complementary rather than competitive. "Both events serve the same global community, but they’re distinct entities," he says.
"Everyone wants to be profitable, yet the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. It’s more of a collaborative circus where developers travel from one conference to another, sharing insights and building networks. If one conference thrives, it lifts the entire industry." He also acknowledges the difficulties GDC is currently facing due to external circumstances, expressing hope for a swift recovery and emphasizing that the health of all major conferences benefits the broader ecosystem.
A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide top‑level executives with a press‑free environment to discuss the sector’s turbulent climate. "The goal isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes explains.
"When we launched the summits, we asked participants to raise their hands if they’d delivered bad news that year—every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news—again, every hand stayed raised. The industry is navigating a tricky period, and leaders need a safe space to admit vulnerabilities rather than constantly projecting strength." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. 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 to cultivate.
"That discrepancy suggests we either overestimate AI’s impact or underprepare for it," Hammes observes. "In reality, the most critical competency is leadership—27 % of respondents named it the foremost skill. This tells us that 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 and help them adapt to new tools and market dynamics." Overall, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a growing platform that balances the needs of small, agile studios with the broader demands of the global gaming market.
By offering a blend of technical workshops, creative showcases, and business education—all under one roof—the event aims to empower developers of all sizes to thrive in an ever‑evolving landscape. The upcoming weeks will test whether the current venue can sustain this ambition or if a larger, more integrated space will become necessary to accommodate the rising tide of indie innovation and leadership discourse.