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 Gamescom Dev speaker survey as evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now constitute the most significant growth prospect within the video‑game sector. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet the business side remains essential," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle the administrative and commercial responsibilities. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access everything they need – production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insight – and also learn how to run a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals are still crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, has been folded into the broader Gamescom week, effectively extending the flagship fair into a full‑week programme. Hammes explained that aligning the two conferences brings clear advantages. "The case for bringing Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he said.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems and little connection between them. Now everything is consolidated into a single ticket portal. Visitors can purchase one pass and attend the Gamescom business week from Monday through Friday, moving freely between the two events." This year’s schedule features 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages.
Hammes cautioned, however, that success should not be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarked. "We aren't chasing arbitrary targets; it's about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming increasingly specialised, and we aim to reflect that in the programme." A practical limitation for the event is the size of its venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current layout accommodates the existing programme, Hammes noted that there is "limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, the conference may need to consider a larger space or a tighter integration with the main Gamescom exhibition. "At this stage we aren't planning a massive expansion because that would require us to physically move closer to Gamescom, which is a possibility for the future," he said.
"If the trend toward smaller, more democratized development continues, we will eventually need more capacity to serve everyone." Gamescom Dev traces its origins to 2017, when it was created to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. He emphasises a collaborative spirit within the industry.
"We are separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat," he explained. "The industry is like a global circus – developers travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas.
It's not about eliminating other events; when everyone succeeds, the whole sector benefits. Our friends at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external conditions, and we hope their situation improves soon." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent market landscape. "It's less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," Hammes said.
"When the first summit began, we asked how many attendees 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 environment is undeniably tough right now.
Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we wanted to create a safe space where they can be candid about the difficulties they face." 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 developers need to acquire. "What does that tell us?
Either we overestimate AI's impact or we under‑prepare for it," Hammes observed. "In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. That indicates we recognise change is coming, but we aren't looking for a technological silver bullet.
We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set strategic direction, and help the industry adapt responsibly." Overall, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for smaller studios to thrive, offering them both the technical knowledge and the business acumen required to succeed in an increasingly competitive market. By fostering collaboration, providing educational resources, and creating safe forums for honest dialogue, the conference aims to support the next generation of developers while navigating the challenges posed by rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer expectations.