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 independent and small‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth opportunity in the video‑game market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a tiny team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management does not disappear. "Even if you are a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing and all the administrative tasks that keep the company afloat," he says. He believes Gamescom Dev offers a one‑stop environment where developers can access everything from production techniques and coding tricks to design theory and creative brainstorming, while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business in an industry where technology evolves at breakneck speed.
The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025 when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the traditional Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair. Hammes argues that this closer alignment with the flagship Gamescom brand brings substantial practical benefits. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies the whole process for attendees," he notes.
Previously, participants had to navigate two separate conferences, each with its own ticketing system and schedule. Now there is a single ticketing portal that grants access to the entire Gamescom business week, from Monday through Friday, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between the two events without juggling multiple passes.
This year’s programme is impressive in scale, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game.
"It’s not about hitting arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the market is becoming increasingly specialised," he asserts. The venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, currently accommodates the show comfortably, but Hammes acknowledges that physical space is a limiting factor. "There is only so much room to expand within the existing halls," he says, hinting that future growth may require either a larger venue or a tighter integration with the main Gamescom exhibition. Looking ahead, Hammes envisions a scenario where the democratization of game development—driven by affordable tools, cloud‑based services and a surge of indie creators—could outgrow the current facilities.
"If the trend of smaller studios continues, we’ll need more room to host everyone," he explains, suggesting that a closer physical proximity to Gamescom could be a logical step if the industry’s trajectory remains upward. Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 (GDC) remains a natural competitor—both events target similar audiences and cover overlapping topics—Hammes stresses that the relationship is more collaborative than adversarial.
He highlights a strong sense of community that operates behind the scenes, noting that both conferences ultimately serve the same broader ecosystem. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a global circus; people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and networking. When one event thrives, it lifts the entire sector," he says.
Hammes also comments on the current challenges facing GDC, acknowledging that external factors have created a difficult operating environment for the conference. He expresses hope that conditions will improve and that all major industry gatherings will emerge stronger, reinforcing the idea that a healthy, diverse conference landscape benefits developers worldwide. A notable addition to this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits—intimate, one‑day gatherings where senior 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. "It’s not just about listening; it’s about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarks.
He recounts an opening moment at the summit where a show of hands revealed that every participant had delivered bad news to their company that year, underscoring the difficulty of maintaining a façade of stability in a volatile environment. By fostering an atmosphere where leaders can acknowledge setbacks and share strategies openly, the summit aims to equip the industry with the resilience needed to navigate uncertainty. The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the sector. While 47 % of speakers predict that AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire.
Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone will not suffice. "We may either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it," he says, before concluding that the real priority is leadership. According to the survey, 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most crucial skill, reflecting a consensus that guiding teams through change is more valuable than any single technology. In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: small studios are poised to drive the next wave of innovation, yet they must balance creative ambition with sound business practices.
Gamescom Dev’s evolution—through rebranding, expanded programming, and new initiatives like the Leadership Summits—aims to support this emerging landscape by offering education, networking, and a platform for honest dialogue. As the gaming world continues to grow and diversify, the conference’s ability to adapt its size, scope and focus will determine how well it serves both indie developers and established studios alike.