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 opportunities in the games sector lie with smaller development houses. 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 operation. He believes Gamescom Dev offers a one‑stop environment where creators can access everything they need—production expertise, programming know‑how, artistic direction, design insight, and crucially, guidance on running a business in an era where technology alone does not guarantee success. The event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, now functions as an extension of the broader Gamescom week.
Hammes explains that aligning the two conferences under a single banner creates a stronger partnership and simplifies logistics for attendees. "Previously we had two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and virtually no connection between them.
Now there is a single ticket shop that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, effectively turning the whole period into a Gamescom business week," he says. This integration not only streamlines the visitor experience but also reinforces Gamescom’s position as a central hub for industry networking and knowledge sharing. The 2026 edition of Gamescom Dev showcases an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 distinct stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game.
"It isn’t about hitting a specific quota of speakers or sessions. It’s about matching supply with demand and responding to the increasing specialization we see in the market," he notes. This focus on relevance over volume reflects a broader trend toward niche expertise, where developers seek targeted insights rather than generic overviews. Despite the event’s growth, Hammes acknowledges that the current venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—places a ceiling on further expansion.
"We are comfortable within the existing space, but there is limited room for additional growth," he admits. Should the industry continue its rapid trajectory, the organizers may need to consider relocating closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility to accommodate the influx of participants, especially as the democratization of game creation brings more indie studios into the fold.
Gamescom Dev’s origins trace back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and thematic focus, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist in a spirit of collaboration rather than competition.
"We’re distinct entities, each with its own community. The industry benefits when multiple conferences thrive; it’s a global circus in a positive sense," he remarks.
He also expresses empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created difficulties, and hopes for an improvement in their situation. A notable addition to this year’s program is the series of Leadership Summits—private, one‑day gatherings where top executives can speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recording devices. Hammes believes that providing a "safe space" for leaders to discuss the turbulent market conditions is essential. He recounts a striking moment during one of these sessions: a show of hands revealed that every participant had delivered bad news to their company that year, and all kept their hands raised when asked if they had received bad news themselves.
"The environment is tough right now," he says. "Leaders are accustomed to projecting confidence, but we need a forum where they can be honest about challenges and exchange ideas openly." The speaker survey also highlights a split opinion on artificial intelligence within the industry.
While 47 % of speakers anticipate AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % view AI literacy as the top skill to cultivate. Hammes interprets this discrepancy as a sign that the industry may be over‑estimating AI’s impact while under‑preparing for it, or perhaps vice‑versa. He ultimately concludes that leadership, not technology, is the critical competency.
"27 % of respondents named leadership as the most important skill. This tells us that people recognize change is coming, but they are looking for guidance, not just technical fixes," he explains.
In Hammes’s view, the future of gaming hinges on leaders who can navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and steer companies through rapid innovation. Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference landscape is evolving to become more integrated and attendee‑friendly, and the need for strong, empathetic leadership is more pronounced than ever. As Gamescom Dev continues to adapt—whether by expanding its venue, refining its program, or fostering deeper collaboration with its sister event—its mission remains clear: to equip developers of all sizes with the knowledge, resources, and community support needed to thrive in a fast‑changing market.