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 gaming market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling business operations does not disappear.
"Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to manage contracts, finances, and partnerships," he explains. "Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, coding tutorials, creative guidance, design workshops, and also practical lessons on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen remains vital." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the renowned Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single banner offers clear advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom itself, which simplifies things for attendees," he says. "Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Today, there is one unified ticket portal, and participants can move freely between Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibitions from Monday through Friday. This integration makes the experience more intuitive and adds value for both newcomers and seasoned professionals." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "Our focus isn’t on hitting arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the industry is becoming increasingly specialized," he notes.
Space constraints, however, are a growing concern. The current venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—accommodates the event comfortably but leaves little room for future expansion. Hammes acknowledges that if the gaming sector continues its rapid growth trajectory, Gamescom Dev may need to consider relocating closer to the main Gamescom site or securing a larger venue.
"We’re not planning a massive scale‑up just yet, because that would entail a significant logistical shift," he says. "But if the democratization of game development continues—if more indie teams emerge and need support—we’ll have to find additional space to serve that audience effectively." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar demographic, Hammes prefers to view the two gatherings as complementary rather than competitive. "There’s a genuine sense of community behind the scenes," he remarks.
"Both conferences aim to generate revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry functions like a global circus—people travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration.
If one conference faces challenges, such as the current environmental constraints affecting GDC, it doesn’t diminish the overall health of the sector. We all succeed when the whole ecosystem thrives." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private space—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile market conditions facing the industry.
Hammes stresses the importance of such “safe spaces.” "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging candid insights," he explains. "During the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked if they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed up when asked if they had received bad news themselves. The environment is undeniably tough right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project unwavering confidence.
By offering a confidential setting, we encourage honest dialogue about challenges, failures, and strategies for resilience." The speaker survey also revealed a split view 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 to cultivate. Hammes interprets this discrepancy not as over‑optimism or neglect, but as an indication that leadership is the true priority. "27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most critical capability," he says.
"This suggests that industry professionals recognize change is inevitable, but they don’t expect technology alone to solve the problems. They’re looking for leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence.
In other words, people—not just tools—will steer the future of gaming." Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of innovation, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and the need for strong, empathetic leadership is more pronounced than ever. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its mission remains to equip developers—whether a trio of passionate creators or a mid‑size studio—with the knowledge, networks, and business savvy required to thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape.