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 represent the most significant growth opportunity within the video‑game market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing and all the other non‑technical aspects. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, artistic direction, design insight, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side remains crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the renowned Gamescom festival into a full‑week programme. Hammes explained that aligning the two events brings tangible benefits for attendees and partners alike. "The case for integrating more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he said. "We now have a powerful, well‑established partner on our side, which creates many practical advantages.
For example, before the rebrand we operated two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems, making it confusing for newcomers. Today there is a single ticket portal, a unified schedule, and the ability for anyone who purchases a pass to move freely between Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday.
This seamless experience lowers barriers and encourages cross‑pollination of ideas." This year’s agenda features an impressive roster: 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 emphasized. "We don't chase arbitrary targets; we respond to genuine supply and demand.
The market is becoming more specialised, and we aim to reflect that specialisation rather than simply inflating the scale of the event." One logistical challenge Hammes highlighted is the physical capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present programme, it offers limited room for future expansion. "At the moment we fit within the existing footprint, but there is only so much we can grow without moving to a larger location," he noted. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory—especially with the democratisation of game development driven by smaller studios—we may eventually need a bigger venue or a closer physical link to Gamescom itself.
For now, the plan is not to dramatically increase size, but we are keeping an eye on the long‑term requirements." Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 describes a collaborative atmosphere that benefits the broader community. "We are separate organisations, each with our own goals and revenue models," he explained. "The industry isn’t a zero‑sum game. When one conference thrives, it lifts the entire ecosystem.
Right now GDC is grappling with venue‑related challenges that are beyond its control, and we sincerely hope those issues improve. A healthy, thriving conference circuit overall is good for everyone." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev schedule is the Leadership Summit series.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private forum—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the games market. "The purpose isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes said. "When we opened the first summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news to their teams that year. Every hand went up.
We then asked who had heard bad news about their own company; again, all hands stayed raised. It’s a clear sign that the environment is challenging. Leaders at that level often feel pressure to project confidence, but these summits provide a safe space to acknowledge uncertainty and seek collective solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split view on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of respondents believe AI will be the most transformative development for the industry over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire. "How do we interpret that gap? Some might argue we overestimate AI’s impact; others might say we’re under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflected. "In my view, the answer lies elsewhere.
The survey shows that 27 % of speakers rank leadership as the most critical skill. That tells us the industry recognises change is inevitable, but it isn’t looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, it’s searching for people who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." Overall, Hammes’ message is clear: the future of gaming lies not just in cutting‑edge tech or massive studios, but in empowering small, agile teams and cultivating strong leadership.
By offering a comprehensive platform that blends creative, technical, and business education, Gamescom Dev aims to support that evolution while remaining adaptable to the space constraints and collaborative opportunities that lie ahead.