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 promising segment of the video‑game industry. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explained that while a tiny team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management 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 outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and marketing. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can tap into production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also learn the ropes of running a sustainable business.
Despite all the advances in technology, the commercial side is still crucial." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive experience for attendees.
"Bringing the conference closer to Gamescom makes a lot of sense," he noted. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings many advantages.
Practically speaking, it simplifies things for people who may not be familiar with the separate events. Previously there were two conferences, two ticket types, two purchase processes, and very little integration. Now there is a single ticketing platform that gives you access to everything you want. It’s essentially a Gamescom business week running from Monday through Friday—buy one ticket and you can move between the two events freely." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success should not be measured merely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he asserted. "We don’t need to hit arbitrary attendance targets. It’s always about matching supply with demand, and we’re seeing the market become more specialised." One practical limitation Hammes acknowledges is the capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present scale of Gamescom Dev, there is little room for significant expansion without relocating or re‑configuring the layout. "At the moment we’re fine, but there’s limited room to grow," he said. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may eventually need a larger site or a closer physical link to Gamescom.
The plan isn’t to balloon the event dramatically right now, because that would require a major logistical shift. However, if the democratization of game development continues—more small studios entering the field—we’ll need more space to serve everyone." Gamescom Dev was originally launched in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist rather than compete. "We’re still separate organisations," he explained.
"Everyone wants to make money, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as one might think. It’s more like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas.
It isn’t about crushing the competition; if all conferences thrive, the whole industry benefits. Our colleagues at GDC are currently dealing with challenges beyond their control, and we hope their situation improves." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits—single‑day, invitation‑only gatherings where senior industry figures can speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes believes that providing a confidential environment is essential given the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," he said. "When we first launched the summit, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news that year—every hand went up. We then asked how many had received bad news for their own company—again, every hand stayed raised.
The climate is clearly challenging. Leaders often feel the pressure to project confidence and stability, but they also need a safe space to be vulnerable and discuss real issues." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative development in the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate. "How do we interpret that?
It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflected. "My take is that neither is entirely correct. When you ask what the most critical skill really is, 27 % say it’s leadership.
That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, help them adapt, and chart a clear path forward." In summary, Hammes sees Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for the next wave of indie and mid‑size developers, offering them both technical insight and business acumen. By integrating more closely with Gamescom, simplifying ticketing, and adding confidential leadership forums, the event aims to support a rapidly diversifying industry while remaining mindful of venue constraints and the need for thoughtful, people‑focused leadership in an era of rapid technological change.