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 significant growth opportunity in the global games market. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explained that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling the business side of development does not disappear. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he said. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to manage contracts, finances, marketing, and legal compliance.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also practical guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals are still crucial for success." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes this alignment brings clear advantages.
"There are strong arguments for integrating more closely with Gamescom," he noted. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now everything is consolidated under a single ticketing platform, and participants can move freely between the Gamescom business week and the Gamescom Dev program from Monday through Friday." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game.
"We shouldn’t focus on hitting arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he asserted. "The market is becoming more specialized, and the right balance of supply and demand is what matters." A practical limitation for the conference is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, Hammes acknowledges that “there is limited room to grow” within those walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the event may need to consider relocating or physically co‑locating even closer to the main Gamescom exhibition to accommodate a larger, more diverse audience.
"At this stage we are not planning a massive expansion because that would require a significant logistical shift, potentially moving nearer to Gamescom itself," Hammes explained. "If the democratization of game development continues—if smaller studios keep proliferating—we’ll eventually need more capacity to serve everyone." 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 demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry. "We’re distinct organizations, each with our own identity," he said. "Everyone wants to be profitable, but the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think.
The industry is like a global circus where people travel from one conference to the next. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond their control have created difficulties. "We hope the situation improves for them and for everyone involved," Hammes added.
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 setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly.
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 explained. "During the inaugural summit, we asked how many attendees had delivered bad news within the past year, and every hand went up. When we asked who had received bad news about their own company, the same result.
The environment is undeniably challenging right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a forum where they can be honest about the difficulties 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. Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t drive success.
"Is the impact of AI being overestimated, or are we under‑preparing for it? I’d argue it’s neither," he said.
"When you ask what skill truly matters, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for small studios, a bridge between creative development and business acumen, and a platform where industry leaders can confront challenges head‑on. By fostering collaboration, offering practical education, and providing a venue for honest conversation, the event aims to support the next wave of innovation while ensuring that the business foundations remain solid.
The future, according to Hammes, belongs to those who can blend creative agility with strong leadership and sound business practices.