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 the most promising segment of the current games market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a tiny team can produce impressive results, but the need to manage the commercial side of the operation does not disappear. "With just three people you can still create a solid product, yet someone still has to handle contracts, budgets, and marketing," he explains.
"I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access everything they need—production techniques, programming expertise, creative direction, design insights—and also learn the fundamentals of running a business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the business fundamentals remain critical." The event, which was formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now essentially extends the main Gamescom festival into a full week of industry‑focused programming. Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates clear benefits for attendees and partners alike.
"The case for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings many practical advantages. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little interaction between them.
Today there is a single ticket portal that gives you access to everything—from the business‑focused sessions on Monday through Friday to the broader Gamescom exhibition later in the week. It simplifies the experience and makes it easier for newcomers to understand what’s on offer." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions, however, that success should not be measured merely by numbers.
"It isn’t a numbers game. We don’t set arbitrary targets for speaker count or session volume. It’s about matching supply with demand and responding to the increasing specialization we see in the industry," he notes. "The market is becoming more niche, and our agenda reflects that shift." A recurring challenge for Gamescom Dev is the physical limitation of its venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current space comfortably accommodates the event, 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 finding a larger venue. "Our immediate plan isn’t to dramatically increase the size of the event, because that would require a major logistical overhaul, possibly including a relocation nearer to Gamescom," he explains. "If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll need more room to serve that growing community." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back 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 does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes. "We are separate organizations, each with our own business goals, but the industry isn’t a zero‑sum game," he says.
"Everyone wants to be profitable, yet the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The global conference circuit functions like a circus in a positive sense—people travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and building relationships. If all the conferences thrive, it signals health for the whole industry." Hammes also expresses empathy for GDC’s recent difficulties, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created challenges for the US‑based event.
He hopes the situation improves for all parties involved. A fresh feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda this year is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can discuss the turbulent market conditions openly. "The purpose isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak and exchange candidly," Hammes explains.
"When we opened the first summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had heard bad news about their own company, and again, everyone raised their hand.
It’s a tough climate right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. We want to give them a safe space to be honest about the challenges they face." 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.
"That discrepancy is intriguing," Hammes observes. "It could mean we’re either overestimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it.
In my view, the real priority is leadership. About 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most crucial skill. This suggests that industry professionals recognize that change is inevitable, but they don’t expect technology alone to solve the problems. They are looking for leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: small studios are emerging as a vital source of innovation, the conference ecosystem is evolving to become more integrated, and the need for strong, transparent leadership is more pressing than ever.
As Gamescom Dev continues to refine its format and possibly expand its physical footprint, its mission remains to equip creators—big and small—with the knowledge, connections, and confidence required to thrive in a rapidly changing market.