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 today’s most promising segment of the games market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate resources to handle the commercial side of the business.
He believes Gamescom Dev should serve as a one‑stop hub where creators can access a full spectrum of expertise – from production and programming to creative design and, crucially, business management – because, despite rapid technological advances, the fundamentals of running a company remain vital. The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom schedule into a full‑week experience. Hammes explains that aligning the two conferences brings significant benefits. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that partnership simplifies things for attendees.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Today there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, allowing participants to move seamlessly between Gamescom Dev and the main Gamescom exhibition," he says.
This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game.
"Success isn’t about hitting arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialised, and our line‑up reflects that shift," he notes. However, the growth of Gamescom Dev is constrained by its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present schedule, Hammes acknowledges that "there is limited room for expansion". Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the organisers may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse developer community, especially as smaller studios proliferate and democratise game creation.
Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. He highlights a collaborative spirit within the industry, describing a behind‑the‑scenes sense of community. "We’re separate organisations, each aiming to be profitable, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The global conference circuit functions like a circus in a positive way – people travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge rather than trying to eliminate each other. When all conferences thrive, the whole industry benefits," he explains. He also expresses empathy for GDC’s current challenges, hoping the situation improves for their team.
A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market.
Hammes stresses the importance of offering a "safe space" for candid conversation. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas. During the first summit, every participant raised their hand when asked if they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they had received bad news themselves. The industry is navigating a tricky climate, and leaders need a venue where they can admit vulnerability without the pressure to project unshakeable confidence," he says.
The speaker survey also revealed a split perspective 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 to cultivate.
Hammes interprets this discrepancy as neither an overestimation of AI’s impact nor an under‑preparation for it. Instead, he argues that the most critical competency is leadership, with 27 % of respondents identifying it as the key skill. "People recognise that change is coming.
They’re not looking for a technological silver bullet; they’re looking for leaders who can guide them through the transition," Hammes concludes. Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are unlocking new creative possibilities, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leaders are seeking collaborative, honest forums to navigate uncertainty. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a central gathering point for knowledge, networking, and business insight is likely to become even more essential for developers of all sizes.