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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential within the gaming sector. In a candid interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explained that while a compact team can punch above its weight in terms of creative output, the necessity of handling the business side of operations does not disappear.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he said. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to manage contracts, finances, marketing, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the company afloat.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also receive guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom exhibition into a full‑week business programme. Hammes believes that aligning the two events under a single banner offers clear advantages for attendees and partners alike. "Bringing the conference closer to Gamescom makes a lot of sense," he noted.
"We now have a powerful, well‑established partner on our side, which brings a host of practical benefits. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now everything is consolidated into one ticketing portal. Visitors can purchase a single pass and enjoy both the dedicated Gamescom Dev sessions and the broader Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday.
It simplifies logistics and creates a more cohesive experience for everyone involved." This year’s programme is impressive in scale, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "It shouldn’t be about hitting arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he said. "The real focus is on matching supply with demand.
We’re seeing the market become increasingly specialised, and the conference must reflect that nuance rather than simply expanding for its own sake." One of the logistical constraints Hammes highlights is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the event comfortably, the space offers limited capacity for future expansion.
Should the industry’s growth trajectory continue, Hammes suggests that Gamescom Dev may need to consider a larger venue or a tighter physical integration with the main Gamescom fair. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive enlargement because that would entail a more complex move closer to Gamescom’s core area," he explained. "However, if the democratisation of game development continues – with more small studios entering the field – we will eventually need additional 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.
Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar audience and covers overlapping topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a spirit of collaboration and mutual support within the global development community.
"We’re separate organisations, each with our own business models, but the underlying ethos is collaborative rather than cut‑throat," he said. "The industry functions like a global circus – in a positive sense – where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships. If all events thrive, it signals overall health for the sector. We’re aware that GDC is currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and we hope those issues resolve soon.
When the whole ecosystem does well, everyone benefits." A notable new feature of this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These intimate, one‑day gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment free from press, microphones, or recordings. Hammes believes such a “safe space” is essential for candid discussions about the turbulent market conditions facing the industry today. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarked.
"During the inaugural summit, we asked attendees to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news to their teams in the past year – every hand went up. When we asked who had received bad news themselves, the same result occurred. The current climate is undeniably challenging, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence.
By offering a confidential setting, we encourage honest dialogue about difficulties and strategies for navigating uncertainty." The speaker survey also revealed a split view on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers anticipate 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? It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes said.
"My reading is that neither is true. When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, we need leaders who can guide teams through transition, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience.
In other words, people – not just tech – will determine how successfully the industry adapts to AI and other emerging trends."