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 market segment belongs to smaller development studios. According to Hammes, these leaner teams are not only agile in production but also represent a significant commercial opening for the broader games ecosystem. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explained to GamesIndustry.biz.
"Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing, and all the other non‑technical aspects. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production know‑how, programming expertise, creative direction, design insights, and also receive guidance on running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, the fundamentals of running a company stay crucial." The event itself has evolved dramatically since its inception. In August 2025, the former Devcom conference was rebranded as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom brand into a full‑week business experience. Hammes believes this integration strengthens the overall offering.
"There are compelling reasons to bring Gamescom Dev closer to the main Gamescom event," he said. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical benefits.
Previously, attendees had to navigate two separate conferences, purchase two different tickets, and manage two distinct schedules. Now everything is consolidated into a single ticketing platform.
Visitors can buy one pass and attend both the business week and the consumer‑focused Gamescom from Monday through Friday. This seamless approach makes the experience far more intuitive for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success should not be measured merely by numbers. "It shouldn’t become a numbers game," he remarked. "We don’t need to hit arbitrary targets for speaker count or session volume.
The market is naturally moving toward greater specialization, and we aim to match supply with genuine demand." A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the existing schedule, Hammes acknowledges that physical expansion is constrained. "At the moment the venue fits our needs, but there is limited room for growth," he noted.
"If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may eventually need to look at relocating closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. The democratization of game development—where more small studios can create high‑quality experiences—could eventually outgrow the current footprint." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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 prefers to view the relationship as complementary rather than competitive.
"We’re separate organizations, each with our own community," he said. "Everyone wants to be profitable, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as one might assume. The industry feels like a global circus—in a good way—where professionals travel from one conference to the next, sharing ideas and building networks. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about everyone thriving together.
Right now GDC is dealing with some logistical challenges due to external circumstances, and I hope those issues improve. When all conferences succeed, the whole industry benefits." A notable new feature of the Gamescom Dev agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Hammes emphasizes the importance of such safe spaces, especially given the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," he explained.
"When we opened the first summit, we asked how many attendees had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. We asked the same question about hearing bad news at their own companies, and again, every hand stayed raised. The environment is undeniably tough right now. Leaders often feel compelled to project confidence and stability, which can make honest dialogue difficult.
By providing a confidential setting, we encourage them to share setbacks, discuss strategies, and collectively navigate uncertainty." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the industry’s future. 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? It could suggest we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflected.
"My conclusion is that neither is entirely correct. When you ask respondents what skill matters most, 27 % point to leadership. That indicates a clear message: we recognize that change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
Instead, we need people—leaders—who can guide teams through transition, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for the next wave of indie and mid‑size studios, offering them the tools, knowledge, and community support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. By blending technical workshops with business mentorship and creating confidential forums for senior leaders, the conference aims to nurture both the creative and managerial talents essential for sustainable growth. As the industry continues to democratize and more small teams enter the space, events like Gamescom Dev will likely become indispensable hubs where innovation meets practical business acumen.