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 gaming market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explained to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, design insight, and creative feedback—all while picking up the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side never disappears." The event, originally known as Devcom, was renamed Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom brand into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes this alignment brings clear advantages. "Being closer to Gamescom creates a stronger synergy.
We now have a major partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little cohesion between the programs. Today it's a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, allowing participants to move seamlessly between the developer-focused sessions and the broader Gamescom exhibition." This year’s schedule features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game. "Success isn’t about hitting arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. The industry is becoming more specialized, and we aim to reflect that depth rather than simply expanding the headcount of talks." A practical limitation, however, is the venue itself.
The conference currently occupies the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, which accommodates the present program but leaves little room for significant expansion. Hammes notes that if the sector continues its rapid growth, the event may need to relocate or physically integrate more closely with the main Gamescom site. "Our current plan isn’t to balloon the size dramatically because that would require a major logistical shift, potentially moving nearer to Gamescom’s core grounds.
If the democratization of game development continues—more indie teams, more diverse creators—we’ll eventually need a larger footprint to serve everyone effectively." Gamescom Dev traces its origins to 2017, launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and thematic focus, Hammes emphasizes a collaborative rather than competitive stance. "Both events operate under different umbrellas, and while everyone wants to be profitable, the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and fostering community. If one event faces challenges—like GDC’s recent venue and environmental issues—it doesn’t diminish the overall health of the ecosystem.
A thriving GDC benefits us all, just as a thriving Gamescom Dev does." A noteworthy addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment free from press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes argues that such a “safe space” is crucial given the current turbulence in the market. "It’s less about passive listening and more about candid dialogue.
When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed up when asked if they’d heard bad news about their own companies. The climate is undeniably challenging, and leaders often feel pressure to project unwavering confidence. These summits let them speak openly, share setbacks, and collectively brainstorm solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of presenters believe 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 discrepancy as a signal that technical proficiency alone won’t steer the industry through upcoming changes.
"You might think we’re either overestimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the real takeaway is that leadership tops the skill hierarchy, with 27 % of respondents naming it the most critical capability. This tells us that the industry recognizes a forthcoming wave of change and is looking for people—not just tools—to guide them through it." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Hammes’ direction is positioning itself as a comprehensive platform for indie developers and larger studios alike, blending technical workshops with business education and high‑level leadership forums. By consolidating ticketing, expanding the schedule, and fostering a collaborative spirit with its larger Gamescom counterpart, the event aims to support the sector’s evolution while acknowledging the physical constraints of its current venue. As the market continues to democratize and AI reshapes development pipelines, the emphasis on strong, adaptable leadership appears to be the most valuable asset for navigating the future of gaming.