Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential in today’s gaming market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing, and all the other non‑technical aspects.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, design insight, creative inspiration, and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side of game development remains a cornerstone of success." The event, originally known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week program.
Hammes believes the rebranding creates a stronger synergy between the two events. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings a host of practical advantages.
For attendees who may be unfamiliar with the separate conferences, the new structure simplifies everything: there is a single ticketing platform, a unified schedule, and the ability to move seamlessly between Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday. This integration reduces confusion and makes the whole week more accessible." This year’s lineup features 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 distinct stages.
Hammes cautions that the focus should not be on sheer numbers. "It shouldn’t be a numbers game," he remarks. "Success isn’t measured by hitting a specific quota of talks or attendees. It’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the market is becoming increasingly specialized." A limitation Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current space accommodates the event comfortably, there is "limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the industry’s momentum continue, the conference may need to consider expanding physically or relocating closer to the main Gamescom site. "At present, we’re not planning a massive expansion because that would require a more substantial logistical effort, possibly moving nearer to Gamescom," he explains. "If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratization of game creation persists, we’ll inevitably need more space to serve a broader audience." Gamescom Dev traces its origins to 2017, filling the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar demographic, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry. "We’re separate organizations, each with our own goals, but there’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he notes.
"Everyone wants to be profitable, yet the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The global conference circuit functions like a circus in a positive way—people travel from one event to the next, sharing ideas and building relationships.
It’s not about eliminating other conferences; it’s about all of us thriving together." Hammes also comments on the challenges currently faced by GDC, acknowledging external factors that have impacted the event and expressing hope for improvement across the board. "Our colleagues at GDC are dealing with issues beyond their control, given the current environment," he says. "I sincerely hope conditions improve for them and for the entire industry. When all conferences succeed, the whole ecosystem benefits." A notable addition to this year’s program is the introduction of Leadership Summits—single‑day gatherings where senior executives can converse without media presence, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes stresses the importance of providing a "safe space" for industry leaders to candidly discuss the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," he explains.
"When we opened the first summit, we asked how many attendees had delivered bad news that year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news, and again, every hand stayed raised. The climate is undeniably tough. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we need a forum where they can be honest about challenges and explore solutions together." 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. "How do we reconcile that? It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership.
That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We’re seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for smaller studios, offering them the resources, networking, and educational opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
By fostering collaboration, simplifying access, and emphasizing leadership development, the conference aims to support the next generation of game creators while navigating the broader industry’s challenges.