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. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while lean teams can accomplish a great deal, the need for solid business management never disappears.
"Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the day‑to‑day operations," he says. "Gamescom Dev is designed to be a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, coding know‑how, creative input, design guidance, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, those business skills remain crucial." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom schedule into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single brand creates clear advantages for attendees and partners alike.
"We now have a powerful, well‑known partner in Gamescom, and that brings many practical benefits," he notes. "Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and a confusing split for visitors. Today everything is consolidated under one ticketing platform, so participants can purchase a single pass and move freely between the business week and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s program features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers.
"It isn’t a numbers game. It’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the industry is becoming more specialized," he says.
The venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, currently accommodates the event but leaves little room for dramatic expansion. Hammes acknowledges that if the gaming sector continues its rapid growth, the conference may eventually need a larger space or a tighter physical integration with the main Gamescom fair. "We aren’t planning a massive scale‑up right now because that would require a more complex logistical shift closer to Gamescom.
However, if the democratization of game development continues—if more small studios emerge—we’ll need additional capacity to serve everyone," he adds. Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference naturally competes for similar audiences, Hammes stresses that the relationship is more collaborative than adversarial. "Both events serve the same global community, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie behind the scenes," he says.
"We’re separate organisations, each looking to be profitable, but it’s not a cut‑throat battle. The industry is like a big circus—people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and networking. If one conference thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem." He also expressed concern for GDC’s current challenges, noting that external factors have created a difficult environment for their hosts, and he hopes conditions improve for all parties.
A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev this year is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market openly. Hammes believes such a “safe space” is essential for leaders to voice concerns and exchange ideas without the pressure to always appear confident. "It’s not about listening; it’s about speaking up and sharing experiences," he explains.
He recounts a moment during the inaugural summit when a simple show‑of‑hands revealed that every participant had delivered bad news to their teams that year, and all had also received disappointing updates from their own companies. "The environment is clearly challenging right now. Providing a confidential forum helps leaders break the usual façade of unwavering stability and discuss real problems," Hammes says. The speaker survey also highlighted a split opinion on artificial intelligence within the industry.
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. Hammes interprets this discrepancy as neither an overestimation of AI’s impact nor an under‑preparation for it. "The real priority, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership," he notes.
"That tells us the industry recognizes change is coming, but it isn’t looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, it’s seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Gamescom Dev’s leadership views the current wave of small‑studio innovation as a major growth engine, while also emphasizing the enduring importance of solid business practices and strong leadership.
By consolidating ticketing, expanding program content, and introducing private leadership forums, the conference aims to support creators of all sizes as they navigate an increasingly complex and competitive market. The event’s future may involve larger venues or tighter integration with the main Gamescom fair, but for now the focus remains on delivering targeted knowledge, fostering community, and equipping developers with the skills—both technical and managerial—needed to thrive in the evolving gaming landscape.