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 promising segment of the video‑game market. "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, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access everything they need – production know‑how, programming expertise, development best practices, creative input, design guidance, and also practical lessons on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side stays crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week programme.
"There are strong arguments for bringing the two events closer together," Hammes explained. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that brings a host of advantages.
From a practical standpoint, it simplifies things for attendees who may not be familiar with the separate conferences. Previously there were two distinct ticketing systems, two sets of passes, and little integration. Today there is a single ticket portal that gives you access to everything you want. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday through Friday, and anyone who purchases a ticket can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week without needing a second pass." This year’s schedule features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
"We don’t want this to become a numbers game," Hammes cautioned. "It isn’t about hitting arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialised, and the programme reflects that shift." Hammes also noted that the event’s growth is constrained by the physical limits of its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present format, there is "limited room to expand". Should the industry continue its rapid trajectory, the conference may need to move even closer to the main Gamescom site or seek a larger venue. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive expansion because that would require a more substantial logistical effort, possibly including a physical move nearer to Gamescom," he said.
"If the democratization of game development continues – with more indie teams, smaller studios, and a broader talent pool – we’ll inevitably need more room to host everyone." Devcom was originally launched in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and topic focus, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he remarked.
"We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry feels 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 the major events thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits. Our colleagues at GDC are currently dealing with some venue‑related challenges, which are beyond their control, and we hope those issues improve soon. Ultimately, we all want the industry to be healthy." A fresh feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day gatherings give senior executives a private space to converse without press, microphones, or recordings. Hammes believes such a "safe space" is vital given the current turbulence in the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he said. "When the summit started, we raised our hands to see how many attendees had delivered bad news that year – every hand went up.
We asked the same question about hearing bad news from their own companies, and again every hand stayed raised. The environment is undeniably tough right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but they also need a venue where they can be candid about challenges. That openness can help the whole sector navigate uncertainty." The speaker survey also revealed 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. "How do we reconcile those numbers? One could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflected. "In reality, the most critical skill isn’t technical at all – it’s leadership.
27 % of respondents named leadership as the key competency. That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We’re looking for people who can guide teams through transition, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence. In short, we need leaders who show us the way forward, not just coders who can implement the latest algorithm."