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 segment belongs to smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a tiny team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management never disappears. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet the business side remains essential," he remarks.
"Even if you’re just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can tap into production expertise, coding know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also pick up the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, those business fundamentals stay crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the broader Gamescom experience into a full week of dedicated industry programming. Hammes believes aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive offering for attendees.
"The case for bringing Gamescom Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a heavyweight partner behind us, which brings a host of practical benefits.
For newcomers, the unified ticketing system simplifies things dramatically. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticket types, two purchasing processes, and very little synergy.
Now it’s a single ticket shop: you buy one pass, you get access to everything from Monday through Friday, and you can also wander over to the main Gamescom floor whenever you like." This year’s program features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions, however, that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers.
"It shouldn’t be a numbers game," he stresses. "We’re not chasing arbitrary targets; it’s always about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialised, and that shapes how we curate the agenda." One logistical constraint Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space currently accommodates the event, he notes that there is "limited room to grow" and that future expansion may require a closer physical integration with Gamescom.
"At the moment we’re not planning a massive scale‑up because that would demand a bigger commitment to sit physically next to Gamescom, which is a possibility down the line. If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratisation of game development continues, we’ll eventually need more floor space to serve everyone." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 as a response to the disappearance of the GDC Europe conference, aiming to fill the resulting gap in Europe’s conference calendar.
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 highlights a collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes. "We’re still separate organisations," he explains.
"Everyone wants to make a profit, but the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think. The industry functions like a global circus in a positive sense – people travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and networking. It’s not about wiping out other conferences to become the sole platform. When all the conferences thrive, the whole industry benefits.
Our friends at GDC are currently dealing with some challenges that stem from the broader environment, not from anything they’ve done wrong. I sincerely hope their situation improves and that everyone does well." A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the sector’s current turbulence.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," Hammes says. "I was present when the first summit launched. We asked the room how many had delivered bad news that year, and every hand went up.
When we asked how many had received bad news about their own company, the same result. The climate is undeniably tough right now.
Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a safe space where they can be honest about challenges. That openness can lead to better collective solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers 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. "What does that tell us?" Hammes reflects. "It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it.
My take is that it’s actually neither. When you ask what skill truly matters, 27 % of respondents point to leadership as the most critical.
That signals a clear message: we recognise change is coming, but we don’t expect technology alone to rescue us. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where the industry’s growth is driven not by sheer size but by the agility and innovation of smaller studios, supported by robust business acumen and strong leadership. Gamescom Dev aims to provide the knowledge, networking, and safe spaces required for these emerging developers and seasoned veterans alike to thrive in an ever‑evolving market.