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 potential in the video‑game sector. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing, and all the other non‑creative tasks.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop shop where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn how to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals are still crucial." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week programme. Hammes explained that the rebranding was intended to bring the two gatherings closer together under a single banner.
"The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he said. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical advantages. For attendees, it simplifies the experience: previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Today there is one unified ticket portal, and everything you need is available in one place.
The Gamescom business week runs from Monday to Friday, and anyone who buys a ticket can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition during those days." This year’s agenda features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautioned that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarked. "We don't chase arbitrary attendance targets; it's always about matching supply with demand.
We're seeing the market become more specialized, and that shapes the kind of content we curate." Despite the ambitious programme, Hammes admitted that the venue – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse – imposes physical limits on how much the event can expand. While the current layout accommodates the schedule, there is "limited room to grow".
Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the organisers may need to consider moving the event even closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. "At this stage we are not planning a massive scale‑up because that would require a bigger logistical effort and possibly a new location nearer to Gamescom," he explained. "If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratisation of game creation continues, we’ll eventually need more space to serve the broader community." Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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.
Instead, he emphasises a collaborative spirit within the industry. "We are separate organisations, but there’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he said. "Everyone wants to be profitable, but it isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think. The industry functions like a global circus in a positive sense – professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge rather than trying to eliminate each other.
When all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits. Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external conditions, and I hope those issues improve soon. Ultimately, we all want the industry to be healthy." A noteworthy addition to this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits – intimate, one‑day gatherings where senior executives can speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recording devices.
Hammes stressed the importance of providing a "safe space" for leaders to discuss the turbulent market conditions affecting game development today. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explained. "When the summit started, we asked how many attendees 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.
Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a setting where they can be honest about difficulties and explore solutions together." The speaker survey also highlighted 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 need to acquire.
"What does that tell us? It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflected. "In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. That indicates we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We’re seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." Overall, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a hub where indie creators, mid‑size studios, and industry veterans converge to share knowledge, develop business acumen, and navigate the evolving landscape of game development. By emphasizing both technical expertise and strong leadership, the event aims to empower the next generation of developers to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.