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 today’s most promising market segment lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can accomplish a great deal, the commercial responsibilities do not disappear. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle the business side of things," he explains.
"I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access everything they need—production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights—and also pick up the fundamentals of running a company. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, understanding the business remains crucial." The event, originally known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the reach of the larger Gamescom festival into a full‑week program. Hammes believes this alignment brings tangible benefits.
"There are strong arguments for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees who may not be familiar with the separate conferences. Previously, there were two distinct ticketing systems, two sets of tickets, and little synergy between the two events.
Now everything is consolidated into a single ticket shop, giving participants access to the entire business week from Monday through Friday. If you buy a ticket, you can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition until the end of the week." This year’s program features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers. "It isn’t a numbers game," he remarks.
"We’re not chasing arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming more specialized, and we’re adapting to that reality." One practical limitation Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself. The Confex Center at Koelnmesse, while adequate for the current scale, offers limited capacity for future expansion. "At the moment the show fits comfortably within the space, but there isn’t much room to grow," he notes.
"If the industry continues on its present trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue. The democratization of game development—where smaller studios are thriving—could eventually demand more floor space to accommodate everyone." Gamescom Dev traces its roots back to 2017, filling the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference serves a similar audience, Hammes prefers to view the relationship as complementary rather than competitive. "We’re separate entities," he says.
"Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think. The industry is like a global circus—people travel from one conference to the next, sharing knowledge and building community. It’s not about wiping out other events; it’s about all of us thriving together.
Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and we hope the situation improves for them and for the whole sector." A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market.
"The goal isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes explains. "When we first launched the Summits, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news that year, and every hand went up. We asked the same question about hearing bad news, and again every hand stayed raised.
The environment is undeniably tricky right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we wanted to create a safe space where they can be candid 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 over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate. "What does that tell us?
It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "In reality, the data suggests leadership is the most critical competency—27 % of respondents identified it as the key skill. That signals a consensus: the industry anticipates change, but it isn’t looking for a technological silver bullet.
Instead, it’s seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and steer the business forward." Overall, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for the next wave of indie and mid‑size studios, offering them the resources, education, and networking opportunities needed to scale sustainably. By merging with the broader Gamescom ecosystem, simplifying ticketing, and introducing dedicated leadership forums, the event aims to support creators of all sizes while acknowledging the practical constraints of its current venue.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on strong, adaptable leadership—paired with a supportive community—remains the cornerstone of the industry’s future success.