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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the video‑game market. In a candid interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explained that while lean teams can accomplish impressive feats, the commercial responsibilities of running a studio never disappear. "You can achieve more with fewer staff, yet the business side remains essential," he said. "Even if your team consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can absorb everything they need—from production techniques and coding practices to creative direction and design theory—while also gaining insights into the business mechanics that are crucial for long‑term success, despite all the technological advances at our disposal." The event, formerly known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, a change Hammes says effectively extends the larger Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience dedicated to development. "There are strong arguments for aligning more closely with Gamescom," he noted.
"We now have a massive, reputable partner on our side, which brings a host of practical benefits. For attendees who may be unfamiliar with the previous format, the integration simplifies everything: instead of juggling two separate conferences, two ticket types, and two purchasing systems, everything is now consolidated under a single ticketing platform. Visitors can buy one pass and access the entire Gamescom business week—from Monday through Friday—while also dropping into the main Gamescom exhibition when they wish." This year's program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions that success shouldn't be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game. We don't need to hit arbitrary attendance targets. It's always about balancing supply and demand, and we see the market becoming more specialized," he explained.
This specialization reflects the growing diversity of development models, from hyper‑indie teams to mid‑size studios focusing on niche genres. A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present schedule, Hammes acknowledges that "there is limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the conference may need to consider moving even closer to the main Gamescom site or securing a larger venue.
"We aren't planning a massive expansion right now because that would entail a more complex logistical undertaking, possibly relocating nearer to Gamescom. If the democratization of game development continues—if smaller studios keep proliferating—we'll eventually need more space to serve everyone effectively," he said. 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 (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes emphasizes a collaborative rather than competitive stance. "There's a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he remarked. "We are separate companies, each aiming to generate revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a global circus—in a good way—where professionals travel from one conference to another.
It's not about eliminating rivals; if everyone thrives, the whole sector benefits." Hammes also expressed concern for GDC's recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond the organizers' control have created difficulties. He hopes the situation improves, adding, "We genuinely wish our colleagues at GDC the best and hope they can navigate the current environment successfully." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private environment—free of press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market. Hammes stressed the importance of such a "safe space" for candid dialogue.
"It's less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he said. He recounted an opening moment where participants raised their hands to acknowledge delivering bad news within the past year; every hand went up.
When asked how many had received negative news about their own companies, the same unanimous response followed. "The environment is undeniably tricky right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a forum where they can be honest about challenges and seek collective solutions," Hammes explained.
The speaker survey also revealed 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. Hammes interpreted this disparity as a sign that the industry may be over‑estimating AI's impact while under‑preparing for it, or perhaps the opposite. "My conclusion is that it's neither," he clarified.
"When you ask what the most critical skill truly is, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we aren't looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, we need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set strategic direction, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where smaller studios drive innovation and market growth, provided they receive the right blend of creative support and business education. By consolidating resources under the Gamescom Dev umbrella, offering specialized sessions, and creating confidential leadership forums, the conference aims to equip developers of all sizes with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
The emphasis on leadership, community collaboration, and strategic expansion underscores Gamescom Dev's commitment to nurturing the next generation of game creators while respecting the practical constraints of venue capacity and industry dynamics.