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 represent the most significant growth potential within the video‑game sector. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet the business side remains essential," Hammes explains to GamesIndustry.biz.
"Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and day‑to‑day administration. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also practical guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals stay crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively stretches the traditional Gamescom week into a full‑fledged development conference.
Hammes believes this alignment brings clear advantages. "There are compelling reasons to bring the two events closer together," he says.
"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 overlap. Today, there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday. If you purchase a ticket, you can also wander over to Gamescom later in the week without needing a second pass." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game. "We shouldn't chase arbitrary targets; it's always about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming more specialized, and we aim to reflect that in the content we curate," 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 existing schedule, Hammes admits there is "limited room to expand". Should the industry continue its rapid trajectory, the conference may need to consider a larger footprint or a tighter physical integration with Gamescom itself. "We aren't planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a more substantial move closer to Gamescom, which is a possibility we’re keeping on the table. If the democratization of game development continues—more small teams creating high‑quality experiences—we’ll eventually need more room to serve everyone," he adds.
Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 shares a similar audience and agenda, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he says.
"We’re separate organizations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry feels like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together. When one conference faces challenges—like GDC dealing with venue and logistical issues—we hope they recover quickly because a healthy ecosystem benefits everyone." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the Leadership Summit series.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings allow senior executives to speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings. Hammes emphasizes the importance of providing a "safe space" for leaders to discuss the turbulent market conditions they currently face. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains. "During the first summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news within the past year—every hand went up.
When we asked who had received bad news from their own company, the same result occurred. 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 difficulties and collectively explore solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion 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 disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t carry the industry forward. "You could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the data suggests a different conclusion.
The most frequently cited essential skill—at 27 %—is leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence." In summary, Frederik Hammes sees Gamescom Dev as a critical platform for empowering small studios, fostering collaboration, and equipping industry leaders with the tools—both creative and managerial—to navigate an evolving landscape. By consolidating resources, simplifying ticketing, and introducing dedicated leadership forums, the conference aims to support the next generation of developers while acknowledging the practical realities of running a business in a fast‑moving market.
The future may demand a larger venue or even a tighter physical link to Gamescom, but the core mission remains clear: to provide a comprehensive, supportive environment where developers of all sizes can learn, share, and thrive.