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 the most promising segment of the current games market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the responsibilities of running a business never disappear. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration," he says. "What I like to imagine Gamescom Dev as is a one‑stop hub where developers can soak up production know‑how, programming tricks, artistic direction, design theory, and at the same time pick up the essential skills needed to keep their companies afloat.
No matter how advanced the tools become, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025, when the former Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes this strategic alignment offers tangible benefits. "Being closer to Gamescom gives us a massive partner and a lot of practical advantages," he notes.
"Previously we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems, which could be confusing for newcomers. Now everything is bundled into a single ticketing platform, and attendees can move seamlessly between the development‑focused sessions and the broader Gamescom showcase from Monday through Friday. It simplifies logistics and creates a more cohesive experience for participants." This year’s programme is impressive in scale, featuring 390 speakers and 220 individual sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "We don’t aim to hit arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand," he explains.
"The market is becoming increasingly specialised, and our focus is on delivering depth rather than sheer volume." Despite the growth, the physical constraints of the venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—pose a ceiling on further expansion. Hammes admits that while the current layout accommodates the event, “there is limited room to grow.” He suggests that if the industry’s trajectory continues upward, the conference may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or even finding a larger space.
"We’re not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a more permanent physical proximity to Gamescom, which is an option we’re keeping on the table," he says. "If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll need more room to serve that broader community." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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) 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 industry. "We’re separate organisations, each with our own business goals, but the atmosphere behind the scenes feels very communal," he remarks. "Everyone wants to be profitable, yet it isn’t as cut‑throat as some might imagine.
The industry is like a global circus where people travel from one conference to the next. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together.
When one conference faces challenges—like GDC’s current logistical issues—we genuinely hope they resolve quickly, because the health of one event reflects on the whole ecosystem." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide a confidential environment where senior executives can speak openly without the presence of press, microphones, or recording devices.
Hammes stresses the importance of such safe spaces, especially given the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he says. "During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news within the year—every hand went up. When we asked who had heard bad news about their own company, the hands stayed raised.
The industry is navigating a tricky period, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. By offering a private forum, we enable them to discuss vulnerabilities and strategies honestly, which can ultimately lead to stronger, more resilient organisations." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the sector. 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 developers need to acquire. Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t suffice.
"You could argue we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," he observes. "My reading is that neither is true. When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % point to leadership.
That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We’re seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster a culture that can adapt to new tools and market shifts." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: small studios are emerging as the engine of innovation, the conference ecosystem is evolving to become more integrated and supportive, and leadership—more than any single technology—will be the decisive factor in navigating the challenges ahead.
As Gamescom Dev continues to refine its format and possibly expand its physical footprint, its mission remains clear: to provide developers of all sizes with the knowledge, connections, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever‑changing gaming landscape.