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 the most promising segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet the business side remains essential," he explains to GamesIndustry.biz.
"Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, 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 know‑how, programming expertise, artistic direction, design insights, and also practical guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business fundamentals are still crucial." In August 2025, the former Devcom event was rebranded as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week program.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive offering. "The case for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings many practical advantages.
For attendees who may be unfamiliar with the separate conferences, the new format simplifies everything: instead of juggling two ticket types, two purchase portals, and two distinct schedules, there is now a single ticket shop that grants access to everything. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday through Friday, and anyone who buys a ticket can move seamlessly between the Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition until Friday." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers. "It’s not a numbers game," he remarks.
"We don’t need to hit arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing a trend toward greater specialization, and the event is evolving to reflect that." 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 to expand.” Should the industry continue its rapid trajectory, the conference may need to consider a larger footprint or a closer physical integration with the main Gamescom site. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive expansion, because that would require a more substantial logistical effort and possibly a move nearer to Gamescom itself," Hammes notes.
"If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll eventually need more space to serve that broader 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 targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
He emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry. "We’re separate organisations, each with our own goals, but the underlying community feels very supportive," he says. "Everyone wants to be profitable, yet the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry functions like a global circus—in a positive sense—where professionals travel from one conference to the next, sharing knowledge rather than trying to eliminate rivals. When one event thrives, it lifts the entire ecosystem." Hammes also comments on recent challenges faced by GDC, noting that external factors have created a difficult environment for the conference.
He expresses hope that conditions improve for all parties involved. A notable addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction 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 offering a "safe space" where leaders can speak candidly.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains. "When we opened the first summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up.
We asked the same question about hearing bad news from their own companies, and again, every hand stayed raised. The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a forum where they can be honest about the difficulties they face." The speaker survey also reveals 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 reconcile that? Either we overestimate AI’s impact or we under‑prepare for it," Hammes observes. "My conclusion is that neither is quite right.
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 teams through uncertainty, set strategic direction, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of growth, conferences are consolidating for greater accessibility, and the need for strong, empathetic leadership is more pressing than ever. As Gamescom Dev continues to adapt, its focus remains on providing a comprehensive platform that blends creative insight, technical expertise, and practical business education for developers of all sizes.