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 promising segment of the video‑game market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can punch above its weight in terms of creative output and technical execution, the commercial responsibilities of running a studio never disappear.
"Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the business afloat," he explains. He believes Gamescom Dev serves as a one‑stop hub where developers can absorb a full spectrum of expertise—from production pipelines and code architecture to artistic direction and design theory—while also gaining insight into the practicalities of running a profitable operation in an increasingly competitive landscape. The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when the former Devcom conference was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom brand into a dedicated week‑long industry showcase.
Hammes argues that this alignment brings tangible benefits for attendees and exhibitors alike. "Having Gamescom Dev directly tied to Gamescom creates a stronger, more recognizable umbrella," he says. "Previously we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems and little synergy between them. Now there’s a single ticket portal, a unified schedule, and the convenience of moving seamlessly between the development‑focused sessions and the broader consumer‑oriented Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 individual sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game. "We’re not chasing arbitrary head‑count targets; the focus is on matching supply with demand and curating content that reflects the growing specialization within the industry," he notes.
He adds that the current venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—has begun to feel cramped. While the space still accommodates the existing schedule, Hammes acknowledges that “limited room to grow” could become a bottleneck if the industry’s trajectory continues upward.
He hints that a future expansion might involve moving closer to the main Gamescom grounds, thereby offering more flexibility for the influx of indie developers, publishers, and service providers that are reshaping the market. 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 stresses that the two events coexist rather than compete. "There’s a genuine sense of community behind the scenes," he says.
"Both conferences aim to generate revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. It’s more of a global circus where professionals travel from one gathering to the next, sharing knowledge and building networks. When one event faces challenges—like GDC’s recent logistical hurdles—it doesn’t diminish the health of the whole ecosystem; it merely underscores the interdependence of our industry." A notable addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits, exclusive one‑day gatherings designed for senior executives and studio heads.
These sessions are deliberately closed to press, microphones, and recording devices, creating a confidential environment where leaders can speak candidly about the turbulence currently affecting the games market. Hammes explains that the purpose is less about passive listening and more about active dialogue. "When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to acknowledge having delivered bad news within the past year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they’d received bad news themselves. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile the business can be, and why a safe space for honest conversation is essential.
Leaders often feel compelled to project confidence, but genuine resilience comes from confronting challenges head‑on and sharing strategies for navigating uncertainty." The speaker survey also reveals a split view on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of respondents 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.
Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical proficiency alone won’t drive success. "It’s not a matter of over‑ or under‑estimating AI; the real priority that emerged is leadership," he says. According to the data, 27 % of speakers identified leadership as the most critical competency for the future. "We recognize that change is inevitable, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
What we need are leaders who can guide teams through disruption, make strategic decisions, and foster a culture that adapts quickly." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Frederik Hammes is positioning itself as a comprehensive platform that blends creative education, technical deep‑dives, and business acumen, all while nurturing a collaborative spirit among developers of all sizes. The event’s evolution—from a standalone conference to an integrated week within the larger Gamescom ecosystem—reflects a broader industry trend toward consolidation, specialization, and the democratization of game development. As smaller studios continue to punch above their weight, the demand for accessible knowledge, networking opportunities, and leadership development will only grow, making events like Gamescom Dev indispensable for the next generation of game creators.