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. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate someone to handle the commercial side of the business. He believes Gamescom Dev serves as a one‑stop hub where creators can access a full spectrum of expertise—from production and programming to creative direction and design—while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable studio. "No matter how advanced the technology gets, understanding the business remains crucial," he says.
The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom experience into a full‑week program. Hammes argues that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings significant benefits.
"We now have a strong, well‑known partner in Gamescom, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously, participants had to navigate two separate conferences, each with its own ticketing system and schedule. Now there’s a single ticket portal, and everything you need is in one place," he explains. "The week runs from Monday to Friday, and anyone with a ticket can move freely between Gamescom Dev and the main Gamescom exhibition until Friday." This year’s lineup features 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game. "It’s not about hitting a target attendance figure; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialized," he notes.
However, he also acknowledges that the current venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—places a ceiling on how much the event can expand. While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, Hammes admits there is "limited room to grow" and that future growth may require moving closer to the main Gamescom site.
"If the industry continues its current trajectory, we’ll need more room to serve the growing community of indie and small‑studio developers," he says. Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. He highlights a collaborative spirit among conferences, describing a "community behind the scenes" that benefits the entire industry.
"We’re separate entities, each aiming to make a profit, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is a global circus where professionals travel from one event to another.
If all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem prospers," he remarks. He also expresses empathy for GDC’s current challenges, noting that external factors have created a difficult environment for them and hoping the situation improves. A notable addition to this year’s schedule is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private forum—free of press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the games market. Hammes stresses the importance of such "safe spaces" for candid dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he says. He recounts a moment when every participant raised their hand to acknowledge having delivered bad news within the past year, underscoring the collective pressure leaders face.
"In a role where you’re expected to project confidence, it’s vital to have a venue where you can be honest about challenges," Hammes adds. The speaker survey also reveals 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 discrepancy as a sign that the industry may be overestimating AI’s impact while under‑preparing for it—or perhaps the opposite. He concludes that the most critical competency is leadership, with 27 % of respondents identifying it as the key skill.
"We recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty," he explains. "People, not just tech, will determine how we navigate the future." Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, conferences are consolidating for greater efficiency, and leadership development is becoming paramount.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its focus remains on providing a comprehensive environment where creators can learn, network, and grow—whether they are a three‑person indie team or a larger studio seeking to stay ahead of market shifts.