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 gaming market. In a candid interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can stretch its creative and technical capabilities further than ever before, the need for solid business management 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 studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing, and all the other non‑technical aspects that keep the company afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative input, design guidance, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. Despite all the advances in technology, those business skills are still crucial for success." The event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, has effectively become an extension of the larger Gamescom week.
Hammes notes that merging the two conferences under a single brand brings several practical advantages. "The rationale for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he explains.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between the programs. Now everything is consolidated into one ticket portal, giving participants access to both the Gamescom Dev schedule and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
However, Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition. "We shouldn’t focus on hitting arbitrary targets; it’s really about matching supply with demand.
The market is becoming more specialised, and we aim to reflect that in our line‑up rather than simply inflating the count of talks," he says. A notable limitation for further expansion is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current space accommodates the event comfortably, Hammes admits that there is "limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the gaming sector continue its rapid trajectory, the organisers may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue. "Our current plan isn’t to dramatically increase the size of Gamescom Dev because that would require a significant logistical shift, possibly relocating nearer to Gamescom. If the democratization of game development continues – with more small studios entering the field – we will inevitably need more space to serve that broader community," he adds.
Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes stresses that the relationship is not adversarial. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he remarks. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus – in a good way – where professionals travel from one conference to another. Success for one event often signals health for the whole ecosystem." Hammes also acknowledges the challenges GDC faces due to external circumstances, expressing hope that the situation improves for all parties involved. "We wish our colleagues at GDC the best and hope they navigate their current difficulties successfully," he says.
A fresh addition to this year’s agenda is the Leadership Summit series. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private environment—free of press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market. Hammes believes such a "safe space" is vital for candid dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains.
"When we opened the session, every participant raised their hand to acknowledge they had delivered bad news in the past year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they had received bad news themselves. The environment is undeniably tough right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence.
By offering a confidential setting, we encourage openness and honest reflection." The speaker survey also highlighted a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers anticipate 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 as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t steer the future.
"You might think we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the real takeaway is that leadership tops the list of essential skills, with 27 % of respondents naming it as the most important," he says. "That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Frederik Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux where small studios hold significant promise, business acumen remains indispensable, and effective leadership is the cornerstone for navigating upcoming challenges. Gamescom Dev aims to support this evolution by offering a comprehensive platform that blends technical education, creative inspiration, and practical business training—all within a collaborative environment that encourages both seasoned veterans and emerging developers to thrive together.