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 constitute the most promising segment of the gaming market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he told GamesIndustry.biz.
"Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle the administrative side. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop shop where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the ropes of running a business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, the commercial side stays crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair. Hammes explained that aligning the two conferences under a single banner brings several practical advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that creates a lot of synergy.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little connection between them. Today it’s a single ticket shop: you purchase one pass and you can attend the Gamescom Dev programme from Monday through Friday and then walk over to the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week. This simplicity makes it easier for newcomers to understand and participate." This edition of Gamescom Dev features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers. "It isn’t a numbers game. We don’t chase arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand.
The market is becoming more specialised, and we want to reflect that in the content we offer." One logistical challenge Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present programme, it leaves little room for substantial expansion. He notes that if the industry continues its rapid growth, the event may eventually need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom site or secure a larger facility.
"Our current plan isn’t to balloon the event dramatically because that would require a bigger physical footprint, possibly nearer to Gamescom itself. If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratisation of game development persists, we’ll need more space to serve a broader audience." 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 demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
He emphasises the collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus in a positive sense—people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas rather than trying to eliminate each other. When all conferences thrive, the whole sector benefits." Hammes also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent difficulties, attributing some of the challenges to external environmental factors beyond the conference’s control. He hopes the situation improves and that all industry events can continue to serve their communities effectively.
A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can speak candidly about the turbulent conditions affecting the market. Hammes believes such a "safe space" is essential for honest dialogue.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging viewpoints. In the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked how many had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed up when asked who had received bad news themselves. It’s a difficult climate right now, and leaders need a venue where they can admit vulnerability rather than constantly projecting strength." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of presenters consider AI the most transformative development for the next three years, only 11 % rank AI literacy as the top skill developers must acquire.
Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that the industry may be over‑estimating AI’s impact while under‑preparing for it. "The real priority, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership.
That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we aren’t looking for a technological miracle to save us. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and help them adapt." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining influence, the conference ecosystem is consolidating for greater accessibility, and the emphasis is shifting from sheer scale to specialised, leadership‑driven growth. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a hub for both creative and business education remains central, ensuring that developers of all sizes can navigate the complexities of today’s gaming landscape.