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 today’s most promising growth area lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate someone to handle the commercial side of the business. He believes Gamescom Dev serves as a one‑stop hub where creators can access a full spectrum of expertise—production, programming, design, creative direction, and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business despite the rapid evolution of technology.
The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom week into a comprehensive business week. Hammes explains that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings tangible benefits: "We now have a strong, well‑known partner in Gamescom, which simplifies the experience for attendees. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Today, it’s a single ticket shop, and anyone who purchases a pass can move freely between Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s programme is impressive in scale, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers. "It’s not a numbers game. We’re not chasing arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand.
The market is becoming increasingly specialized, and we want to reflect that," he says. Despite the ambition, the event’s physical footprint is constrained by its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. Hammes acknowledges that while the space comfortably accommodates the present format, there is "limited room to grow". He suggests that if the industry’s trajectory continues upward, the conference may need to consider a larger venue or a closer physical integration with Gamescom itself.
"We’re not planning a massive expansion right now, because that would require a more substantial move closer to Gamescom, which is a possibility for the future. If the democratization of game development continues—more indie and micro‑studios entering the scene—we’ll eventually need more room to serve everyone," he adds. Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes stresses that he doesn’t view the two events as competitors.
"There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes. We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the industry isn’t a cut‑throat battlefield. It’s more like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another. Success for one event lifts the whole ecosystem." He also comments on the challenges currently facing GDC, noting that external circumstances have created difficulties for the conference, and expresses hope that conditions improve for all parties involved.
A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can speak candidly about the turbulent market conditions. Hammes believes such "safe spaces" are essential for leaders to share concerns and strategies openly. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas.
When we first held a summit, every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news that year. It was a stark reminder of how challenging the environment is.
Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but these summits allow them to be honest about the difficulties they face." The speaker survey also reveals a split opinion on artificial intelligence within the industry. While 47 % of speakers predict AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate. Hammes interprets this discrepancy as a sign that the real priority lies elsewhere. "It’s not that we’re over‑estimating AI or under‑preparing for it.
The data shows that 27 % of respondents rank leadership as the most critical skill. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and help them adapt," he explains. In summary, Hammes envisions a future where small studios drive innovation and growth, supported by a conference ecosystem that offers both practical knowledge and strategic leadership development. By integrating Gamescom Dev more closely with the larger Gamescom event, simplifying ticketing, and expanding educational offerings such as the Leadership Summits, the organization aims to create a holistic environment that nurtures creativity, business acumen, and resilient leadership across the gaming industry.
The ultimate goal, according to Hammes, is to ensure that as the market evolves—whether through AI advances, indie proliferation, or shifting consumer tastes—developers of all sizes have the resources and guidance needed to thrive.