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‑scale studios now represent the most significant opportunity within the broader games industry. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can often deliver impressive creative output, the necessity of handling the business side of operations does not disappear simply because the staff count is low.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he remarks. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to manage contracts, budgets, marketing, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep a company afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access everything they need – from production techniques and coding expertise to design insights and creative brainstorming – while also gaining practical knowledge on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals are still the backbone of success." The event itself underwent a major transformation in August 2025, when Devcom was rebranded as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes this integration creates a stronger, more cohesive experience for attendees. "There are compelling reasons to bring the two events closer together," he says.
"We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which brings a host of advantages. From a practical standpoint, it simplifies the ticketing process. Previously, visitors had to navigate two separate conferences, each with its own ticketing system and schedule, which often caused confusion. Now everything is consolidated into a single ticket shop, allowing participants to purchase one pass that grants access to the entire Gamescom business week, from Monday through Friday.
This seamless approach makes it easier for newcomers to understand what’s on offer and encourages cross‑attendance between the two programs." The 2024 edition of Gamescom Dev features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers, 220 sessions, and 17 distinct stages covering a wide range of topics. However, Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game.
"It shouldn’t be about hitting a specific quota of speakers or sessions," he explains. "The focus should remain on matching supply with demand.
We’re seeing a trend toward greater specialization, with niche topics gaining prominence as the industry matures." 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, it leaves little room for substantial growth. "At the moment we’re operating within the limits of the venue," he notes. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may eventually need to consider expanding the footprint or moving closer to the main Gamescom site.
That said, we are not actively pursuing a massive expansion right now because it would entail a much larger logistical undertaking. Instead, we’re monitoring the evolution of the market—particularly the democratization of game development driven by smaller studios—and will adapt our facilities as necessary to serve a broader audience." 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 demographic and covers comparable subjects, Hammes emphasizes that the two events coexist rather than compete. "We’re distinct organisations," he says. "Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as one might imagine. The industry is like a global circus—in a positive sense—where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships.
It’s not about eliminating the competition; it’s about all of us thriving together. When one conference faces challenges, such as the current environmental constraints affecting GDC, we hope the situation improves for everyone. A healthy ecosystem benefits the whole sector." A notable new feature of this year’s programme is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recording devices—to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly. "The purpose isn’t merely to listen; it’s to speak up and exchange ideas," Hammes explains. "During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news to their teams over the past year. Every hand went up.
When we asked who had received bad news themselves, the same result occurred. The environment is undeniably challenging right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability. By offering a safe space, we encourage honest dialogue about the difficulties they face, which can lead to more resilient strategies moving forward." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry’s future. 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?" Hammes asks. "It could suggest we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it. In reality, the data points to something else: leadership. About 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most critical skill.
This indicates that industry professionals recognize change is inevitable, but they don’t expect technology alone to solve the challenges ahead. They’re looking for leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster a culture of adaptability." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition, where small studios are emerging as powerful innovators, business acumen remains indispensable, and effective leadership is the compass that will navigate the sector through rapid technological shifts. Gamescom Dev aims to support this evolution by offering a consolidated platform for education, networking, and strategic discussion, all within a venue that balances current capacity with the flexibility to grow as the market demands.