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 today’s most promising market segment lies with smaller development studios. According to Hammes, the data underscores a shift in the industry: independent teams, often composed of just a handful of creators, are now the engines of innovation and commercial potential.
"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, budgeting, marketing, and all the administrative work that keeps a studio afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can soak up production expertise, programming tricks, creative direction, design theory, and at the same time learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen is still the backbone of success." The event itself has evolved dramatically. In August 2025, the long‑standing Devcom conference was rebranded as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair.
Hammes believes the merger brings strategic advantages, linking the developer‑focused program more tightly with the consumer‑facing Gamescom experience. "There are compelling reasons to bring the two events closer together," he explained.
"We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which opens up many logistical and promotional benefits. Previously, attendees had to navigate two separate ticketing systems, two distinct conference schedules, and essentially two different events. Now everything is consolidated under a single ticketing portal.
If you purchase a pass for the business week, you automatically gain access to the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday. It simplifies the process for newcomers and creates a more seamless journey from development talks to the consumer showcase." This year’s program is ambitious: 390 speakers will share insights across 220 sessions spread over 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "We’re not chasing arbitrary targets for speaker count or session volume," he said. "The real metric is the balance of supply and demand.
The market is becoming increasingly specialised, and we aim to curate content that reflects those niches rather than filling the schedule for its own sake." Despite the growth, the venue—Koelnmesse’s Confex Center—poses physical constraints. Hammes acknowledges that while the current layout accommodates the event, there is limited capacity for further expansion. "At the moment we’re fitting comfortably within the existing space, but there isn’t much room left for a significant increase in size," he noted.
"If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom grounds or finding a larger venue altogether. The democratization of game development, with more small studios entering the field, could eventually outgrow the confines of the Confex Center." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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 audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the global development community.
"We’re separate organisations, each with our own identity," he said. "Everyone wants to make a profit, but the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might imagine. The industry feels like a global circus—in a positive sense—where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships. It’s not about eliminating rival events; it’s about ensuring the whole ecosystem thrives.
Our colleagues at GDC are currently navigating challenges beyond their control, and we hope the situation improves for them as well. When one conference does well, it lifts the entire industry." A notable new feature for this edition is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private forum—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent market conditions facing the sector.
"The purpose isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes explained. "When we opened the first summit, we raised our hands to see how many attendees had delivered bad news that year, and every hand went up. We asked the same question about hearing bad news from their own companies, and the response was identical. It’s a stark reminder of how challenging the environment is right now.
Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we need a safe space where they can acknowledge difficulties and brainstorm solutions together." 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 suggests either we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflected.
"In reality, the most critical skill emerging from the data is leadership—27 % of respondents identified it as the key competency. This indicates that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but the answer isn’t simply more technology or new technical skills. It’s about having leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference landscape is consolidating for greater accessibility, and the core challenge lies in nurturing effective leadership amid rapid technological and market shifts.
Gamescom Dev aims to be the catalyst that equips developers—not just with cutting‑edge tools and creative inspiration—but with the business savvy and strategic insight needed to thrive in a constantly evolving gaming world.