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 potential lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that even a three‑person team can produce high‑quality experiences, but the need for someone to handle the business side of the operation never disappears. He believes Gamescom Dev serves as a one‑stop hub where indie creators can access a full spectrum of expertise—from production and programming to creative direction, design, and crucially, business management.
"Despite all the advances in technology, understanding how to run a sustainable business remains vital," he says. The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week affair. Hammes argues that aligning the two events under a single banner brings clear advantages.
"We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that partnership simplifies things for attendees. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Now there’s a single ticket shop that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, allowing participants to move seamlessly between Gamescom Dev and the broader Gamescom programme," he notes. This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game.
"It isn’t about hitting arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialized, and the programme reflects that shift," he remarks. Space constraints at the Confex Center in the Koelnmesse complex are already a limiting factor, according to Hammes.
While the venue comfortably accommodates the current format, there is "limited room to grow" without either expanding the physical footprint or moving closer to the main Gamescom site. He suggests that if the industry’s current trajectory continues—particularly the democratization of game development that empowers smaller studios—additional capacity will become necessary to serve a broader audience. Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San‑Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar demographic, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the global community. "We’re separate organisations, each aiming to generate revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry functions like a global circus where professionals travel from one conference to another. Success for one event lifts the entire ecosystem," he explains.
He also expressed concern for GDC’s recent challenges, attributing them to external environmental factors rather than internal failings, and hopes for a swift recovery. A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the Leadership Summits—private, one‑day gatherings where senior industry figures can converse without media, microphones, or recordings. Hammes underscores the importance of providing a "safe space" for leaders to discuss the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas.
During the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked if they had delivered bad news or received it within the year—an unmistakable sign of the tough climate we’re navigating," he recounts. He believes that offering such confidential forums helps leaders break away from the pressure to always appear strong and stable.
The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers anticipate 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 sign that the industry may be either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it. He ultimately concludes that leadership, not technology, is the most critical competency—27 % of respondents identified leadership as the paramount skill.
"We recognize that change is imminent. Rather than looking for a technological silver bullet, we need leaders who can guide us through the transition," he asserts.
In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of growth, the event’s integration with Gamescom is streamlining access for participants, and the need for strong, adaptable leadership has never been clearer. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its ability to adapt its venue, programme, and support structures will determine how well it can serve both indie innovators and established players in the rapidly shifting gaming landscape.