Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the findings of the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the gaming market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep a studio afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop shop where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, design insights, and creative inspiration, while also learning the fundamentals of running a business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen remains a cornerstone of success." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience. Hammes explained that the rebranding was intended to bring the two gatherings closer together, creating a seamless experience for attendees. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which brings a host of advantages.
Practically speaking, it simplifies things for people who may not have attended before. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little overlap. Today there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday.
If you purchase a ticket, you can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing an additional pass." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautioned against treating the event as a numbers game.
"We shouldn’t be fixated on hitting arbitrary targets. It’s always about supply and demand, and we’re seeing the market become more specialized." He also noted that the venue – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse – imposes a natural ceiling on how much the event can expand. While the current layout accommodates the existing schedule, there is "limited room to grow". Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, Hammes suggests that Gamescom Dev may need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom site or find a larger facility.
"We’re not planning a massive increase right now because that would require a more substantial logistical shift, possibly moving physically nearer to Gamescom. If the democratization of game development continues – with ever‑smaller teams creating high‑quality experiences – we’ll eventually need more space to serve everyone." Devcom was launched in 2017 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. He emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry, describing a strong sense of community behind the scenes.
"We’re separate organizations, each aiming to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The global conference circuit is more of a circus in a positive sense – people travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and building relationships.
It’s not about eliminating other conferences; when everyone thrives, the whole industry benefits. Our friends at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and we hope those issues improve soon." A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private environment free from press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes stresses the importance of offering leaders a "safe space" to discuss the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives. When we first held one, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news that year – every hand went up.
We then asked who had heard bad news about their own company – again, everyone raised their hands. It’s a tough climate right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. These summits let them be candid about challenges and seek collective solutions." 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. Hammes interprets this disparity as a signal that technical expertise alone won’t steer the industry through upcoming changes.
"You might think we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the data suggests something else. The most frequently cited critical skill – at 27 % – is leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we don’t expect technology alone to rescue us.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Hammes’ direction is positioning itself as a hub where small studios can access both creative and business resources, while also fostering a collaborative, forward‑looking community. The event’s integration with Gamescom, its emphasis on specialized content, and the introduction of confidential leadership forums all reflect a strategic response to an industry that is increasingly fragmented, technologically advanced, and in need of strong, adaptable guidance.