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 promising segment of the games market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling the commercial side of the business does not disappear.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he says. "Even if you’re a three‑person operation, someone still has to manage contracts, budgeting, marketing and all the other non‑technical aspects. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights and, crucially, practical advice on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the fundamentals of commerce stay vital." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively stretches the entire Gamescom week. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences brings tangible benefits for attendees and partners alike. "The case for bringing Gamescom Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he notes.
"We now have a strong, high‑profile partner, and that opens up many opportunities. From a practical standpoint, it simplifies things for people who may not be familiar with the previous format. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems and little interaction between them. Today there is a single ticket portal, a unified schedule and the ability to move freely between the two events from Monday through Friday.
It truly feels like a single, cohesive Gamescom business week." This year’s programme features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game.
"We’re not chasing arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he asserts. "It’s always about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming more specialised, and we want to reflect that in the content we offer." A practical limitation, however, is the venue itself. The Confex Center at Koelnmesse currently accommodates the show, but Hammes acknowledges that space constraints could become a bottleneck if the industry’s growth trajectory continues.
"At the moment the venue fits our needs, but there is limited room for expansion," he says. "If the sector keeps evolving at its current pace, we may need to look at moving even closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. The democratization of game development—where smaller studios can produce high‑quality experiences—means we’ll eventually need more room to serve a broader audience." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 as a response to the disappearance of GDC Europe, aiming to fill the gap for European developers.
While the San‑Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar demographic, Hammes emphasizes that the two events coexist rather than compete. "Both conferences are run by different organisations, and while everyone wants to be profitable, the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat," he explains.
"The industry is like a global circus—people travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships. It’s not about one conference eliminating the other; it’s about all of us thriving together. Right now GDC is facing some operational challenges due to external factors, and I sincerely hope those improve. When one conference does well, it lifts the whole ecosystem." A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These intimate, one‑day gatherings give senior industry figures a private space—free from press, microphones and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking openly," Hammes says.
"During the first summit we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news, and again, every hand stayed raised. The environment is undeniably challenging, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. By providing a safe, confidential setting, we encourage honest dialogue about the difficulties we all face." 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 developers need to acquire. "That disparity is telling," Hammes observes.
"It could mean we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it. In reality, the data suggests the most critical capability is leadership. About 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the key skill. This tells us that the industry recognises change is coming, but rather than looking for a technological silver bullet, we’re seeking people who can guide teams through uncertainty.
Effective leaders will shape how we adapt to AI and other emerging trends." Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are gaining influence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and the need for strong, empathetic leadership is rising. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a central hub for knowledge, networking and business education appears more vital than ever, especially for the indie developers who are poised to drive the next wave of innovation in gaming.