Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that today’s most promising market segment lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the administrative side of the business does not simply disappear. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he says. "Even if you are a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing, and the myriad other non‑technical tasks that keep the company afloat.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can absorb production know‑how, coding techniques, creative direction, and design insights, while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen remains a cornerstone of success." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the larger Gamescom festival into a full week of industry‑focused programming.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events offers tangible benefits for attendees and partners alike. "The case for bringing Gamescom Dev closer to the main Gamescom schedule is compelling," he notes.
"We now have a powerful, well‑known partner on our side, which simplifies logistics for participants. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little cohesion between them. Now everything is consolidated under a single ticket portal, allowing visitors to purchase one pass and move seamlessly between the business‑focused sessions from Monday through Friday and the broader Gamescom exhibition later in the week." This year’s lineup is ambitious: 390 speakers will deliver insights across 220 sessions spread over 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game. "We don’t aim to hit arbitrary quotas; it’s about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming increasingly specialized, and our programming reflects that shift," he says. Despite the growth, the venue—Koelnmesse’s Confex Center—poses a physical limitation.
Hammes admits that while the current space accommodates the event, there is "limited room to expand". Should the industry continue its rapid trajectory, the conference may need to consider relocating closer to the main Gamescom grounds or finding a larger venue altogether. "Our current plan isn’t to balloon the event dramatically," he explains.
"A larger footprint would mean a more complex logistical undertaking, possibly moving us physically nearer to Gamescom. If the democratization of game development continues—if smaller studios keep proliferating—we’ll eventually need more room to serve that community effectively." 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 (GDC) remains a natural competitor, targeting similar audiences and topics, Hammes prefers to view the relationship as collaborative rather than adversarial. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he says.
"We’re separate entities, each trying to make a profit, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a global circus—people travel from one conference to the next, sharing ideas and building networks.
If all the events thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits. Right now GDC is facing some venue‑related challenges, which are beyond their control, and I hope those issues resolve soon. Ultimately, we all want the industry to flourish." A notable new feature of this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market. Hammes emphasizes the importance of such safe spaces: "It’s not just about listening; it’s about speaking up and exchanging ideas. When we opened the first summit, we asked who had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up.
We then asked who had received bad news, and again, every hand stayed raised. The climate is undeniably tough right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence even when they’re dealing with setbacks. These summits let them be candid, share challenges, and collectively brainstorm solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers 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. Hammes interprets this gap as a signal that technical expertise alone won’t drive success.
"You could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," he says. "In reality, the most critical skill highlighted by 27 % of respondents is leadership. 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, make strategic decisions, and foster a culture that can adapt to new tools and market dynamics." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Hammes’ stewardship is positioning itself as a comprehensive resource for the evolving game development community.
By merging with the larger Gamescom event, streamlining ticketing, expanding educational content, and creating confidential leadership forums, the conference aims to support both the creative and business dimensions of game production. As smaller studios continue to proliferate and the industry grapples with emerging technologies like AI, the emphasis on strong leadership and adaptable business practices will likely remain at the forefront of discussions.
The future, according to Hammes, will be defined not just by innovative code or stunning graphics, but by the ability of developers—big and small—to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape with clear vision and effective management.