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 opportunity lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a tiny team can punch above its weight, but the need to manage the commercial side of the business never disappears. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and marketing.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insight, and also pick up the skills needed to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business fundamentals are still crucial." The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single banner brings clear benefits. "The case for tighter integration with Gamescom is compelling," he says.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which translates into practical advantages. Previously, attendees had to navigate two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and two distinct purchasing processes, with little connection between them. Today there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything—from the industry talks to the main Gamescom exhibition—Monday through Friday. It simplifies the visitor journey and reinforces the idea of a unified Gamescom business week." This year’s program is impressive in scale: 390 speakers are slated to deliver insights across 220 sessions spread over 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarks.
"We don’t aim for arbitrary targets; we respond to supply and demand. The market is becoming more specialized, and we want to reflect that specialization in our agenda rather than simply inflating headcounts." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present edition, there is limited headroom for further expansion. "At the moment the venue meets our needs, but there is only so much room left to grow," he notes. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility.
The democratization of game development—more indie teams, more diverse creators—could eventually outgrow the existing footprint." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he highlights a sense of camaraderie that exists behind the scenes. "We’re separate organizations, each with our own goals and revenue streams," he says. "The industry isn’t a zero‑sum game.
When one conference thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem. Right now GDC is facing some venue‑related challenges, but those are external factors beyond their control.
I hope they resolve quickly, because a healthy GDC benefits everyone." A notable new feature of this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private forum—free of press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile market conditions facing the sector. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," Hammes explains. "During the first summit, we raised our hands to acknowledge how many of us had delivered bad news to our teams over the past year, and every hand went up.
The same happened when we asked who had received bad news themselves. It’s a tough environment right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence even when they’re navigating uncertainty. Providing a safe space helps them be candid, which ultimately benefits the whole industry." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. 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.
"What does that tell us? Either we’re over‑hyping AI’s impact or we’re under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "My reading is that neither is entirely accurate.
When you ask respondents what skill matters most, 27 % point to leadership. That suggests the industry recognizes change is coming, but it isn’t looking for a technological silver bullet.
Instead, we’re seeking leaders who can guide teams through transition, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are poised to capture a growing share of the market, the conference ecosystem is evolving to become more integrated and supportive, and the real competitive edge will come from strong leadership rather than just technical prowess. As Gamescom Dev continues to adapt—whether by expanding its venue, refining its program, or deepening its partnership with Gamescom—it aims to remain the go‑to gathering for developers who want both creative inspiration and practical business guidance.