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 constitute the most significant growth opportunity within the broader games market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming insights, design mentorship, and creative inspiration—all while learning how to run a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." In August 2025, the long‑standing Devcom conference was rebranded as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom brand into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes this alignment offers tangible benefits.
"The case for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical advantages.
For attendees, the logistics are simpler. Previously there were two separate events, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything—from the dedicated development sessions to the main Gamescom exhibition—Monday through Friday. It creates a seamless, unified business week for anyone who purchases a pass." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarks. "We aren't chasing arbitrary attendance targets.
The market is naturally balancing supply and demand, and we see a trend toward increasing specialization. Our focus is on delivering relevant, high‑quality content rather than inflating headcounts." The venue for Gamescom Dev, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, imposes a physical ceiling on expansion. While the current layout accommodates the event comfortably, Hammes acknowledges that future growth may demand a larger space or a tighter integration with the main Gamescom site.
"At the moment we are not planning a massive expansion because that would require a more substantial relocation closer to Gamescom, which is a possibility we are keeping under review," he explains. "If the democratization of game development continues—if smaller studios keep proliferating—we will eventually need more room to serve that expanding community." Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry.
"We are separate organisations, each with our own objectives, but there is a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he says. "Everyone wants to be profitable, yet the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might imagine.
The industry functions like a global circus—in a positive sense—where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and fostering relationships. It isn’t about eliminating other events; it’s about everyone thriving, because the health of one conference reflects the health of the entire ecosystem." Hammes also expressed empathy for GDC’s current challenges, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created difficulties for the conference. He hopes the situation improves and that all industry gatherings can continue to serve their audiences effectively.
A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives with a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—where they can discuss the turbulent state of the market openly. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," Hammes explains. "When we launched the first summit, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news in the past year; every hand went up.
When we asked how many had received bad news about their own company, the hands stayed raised. The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we want to give them a safe space to be candid about the difficulties they face." 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.
"How do we interpret that gap? Some might say we over‑estimate AI’s impact, others that we under‑prepare for it," Hammes observes. "My conclusion is that neither is entirely accurate. When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % of respondents point to leadership.
That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We’re looking for people—leaders—who can guide us through the transition, set a vision, and help teams adapt." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where small studios drive innovation, where Gamescom Dev continues to serve as an integrated learning hub, and where industry leaders prioritize human insight over pure technical prowess.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the emphasis on adaptable leadership, collaborative community, and pragmatic business education will shape the next chapter of game development worldwide.