Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth opportunity within the video‑game sector. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, 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 developers can access everything they need – from production techniques and coding expertise to creative brainstorming, design insights, and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the fundamentals of running a company stay vital." The event, formerly known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, a change Hammes says effectively extends the main Gamescom experience into a full week of dedicated development content. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he explained.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical advantages. For attendees, the process is far simpler. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little cohesion between the programmes.
Today there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything you need. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday through Friday, and anyone who purchases a ticket can also explore the broader Gamescom exhibition until Friday." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions that the focus should not be on sheer numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game.
We don't need to hit arbitrary attendance targets; it's always about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming increasingly specialised, and we aim to reflect that in the content we curate," he said. One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present scale of Gamescom Dev, there is "limited room to grow" within its walls. "Our current plan is not to dramatically enlarge the event, because that would require a more substantial physical integration with Gamescom, which is a possibility we are keeping under review.
If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratisation of game development continues, we may eventually need a larger footprint to serve the community adequately," Hammes noted. 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 emphasizes that the two events coexist rather than compete.
"We are distinct organisations, each with its own identity. Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry feels like a global circus in a positive sense—people travel from one conference to the next, sharing knowledge and building relationships.
It's not about eliminating other events; it's about all of us thriving together. Right now, our colleagues at GDC are facing challenges beyond their control due to the current environment, and I sincerely hope their situation improves. When every conference does well, the entire industry benefits," he remarked. A noteworthy addition to this year's agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can speak candidly about the turbulent state of the market. "The purpose isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak up and exchange ideas," Hammes explained. "When the summit began, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. When we asked how many had received bad news about their own company, the hands stayed raised.
It’s a difficult environment right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability. We want to create a safe space where they can be honest about challenges, share experiences, and collectively navigate the uncertainty." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers 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? Either we over‑estimate AI’s impact or we under‑prepare for it," Hammes said. "In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership.
That suggests we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, we’re seeking leaders who can guide teams through transition, make strategic decisions, and foster a culture that can adapt to new tools and market dynamics." Overall, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for small studios to thrive, a venue where business acumen meets creative expertise, and a community that values collaboration over competition.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the event aims to remain flexible, offering both practical resources for indie developers and a forum for industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.