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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the video‑game sector. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming insights, development best practices, creative direction, design theory, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side stays crucial." The event, which was originally known as Devcom, underwent a rebranding in August 2025 to become Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week program. Hammes believes that aligning the two events more closely brings tangible benefits. "There are strong arguments for bringing Gamescom Dev nearer to Gamescom itself," he says.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, and that partnership unlocks many advantages. From a practical standpoint, it simplifies things for attendees who might not have been familiar with the separate conferences before. Previously, there were two distinct ticketing systems, two sets of passes, and little integration between the schedules.
Now everything is consolidated into a single ticket portal. If you purchase a pass, you gain access to the entire Gamescom business week—from Monday through Friday—and you can move freely between the two events." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "We shouldn't be obsessed with hitting a specific quota of speakers or sessions.
It's really about matching supply with demand and responding to the market’s increasing specialization," he notes. Nevertheless, 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 to expand" within those walls.
Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the conference may need to consider a larger venue or a tighter physical integration with Gamescom. "Our immediate plan isn’t to balloon the event dramatically because that would require a more substantial logistical effort, potentially moving us even closer to Gamescom’s main site—a scenario we’re open to exploring," he explains. "If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratization of game development persists, we’ll inevitably need more capacity to serve a broader audience." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of the European edition of the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Although GDC—based in San Francisco—targets a similar demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry. "We’re separate organisations, each with our own business models, but there’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he says. "Everyone wants to be profitable, yet the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The global conference circuit functions like a circus in a positive sense—people travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge and networking. It’s not about eliminating other conferences; it’s about all of them thriving, which in turn lifts the entire industry. Currently, our colleagues at GDC are facing challenges related to their operating environment, and we sincerely hope those issues improve. When all conferences succeed, the whole ecosystem benefits." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the market. Hammes stresses the importance of such a "safe space" for candid dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarks.
"When the summits began, we asked the room how many attendees had delivered bad news in the past year—every hand went up. We then asked how many had received bad news about their own companies—again, a unanimous response.
The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we want to create a venue where they can be honest about difficulties and explore solutions together." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of respondents 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 reconcile those figures?
One could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes observes. "In my view, the answer lies elsewhere: leadership. About 27 % of speakers identified leadership as the most critical skill.
That indicates a recognition that change is inevitable, but technology alone won’t guide us through it. What we need are leaders who can chart a clear path, inspire teams, and help the industry navigate uncertainty." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux, where small studios are poised to drive innovation, where conferences are evolving to become more integrated and supportive, and where effective leadership will be the cornerstone of future success. The upcoming Gamescom Dev event aims to reflect these dynamics, offering a platform that blends technical knowledge with business acumen, and fostering an environment where both newcomers and veterans can thrive together.