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 the most promising avenue for expansion in today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can deliver impressive results, the necessity of handling the business side of operations does not disappear. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to manage contracts, finances, and partnerships," he explains.
"I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access everything they need—production techniques, coding expertise, creative direction, design insights, and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals remain vital." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair.
Hammes believes this closer alignment offers tangible benefits. "The rationale for integrating more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies matters for attendees who might not be familiar with the separate conferences.
Previously, there were two distinct ticketing systems, two sets of tickets, and little crossover. Now everything is consolidated into a single ticket portal. Participants can purchase one pass and enjoy the entire Gamescom business week—from Monday through Friday—while also having the option to wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition later in the week." This year’s program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured solely by numbers. "It isn’t a numbers‑game," he notes. "We don’t aim to hit arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. The market is becoming increasingly specialized, and we want to reflect that in our lineup." A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present schedule, Hammes acknowledges that physical constraints could curb future growth. "We’re limited by the venue’s capacity at the moment," he admits. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory—especially with the democratization of game development driven by smaller studios—we may eventually need a larger footprint, perhaps even a venue that sits even closer to the main Gamescom site. For now, however, we’re not planning a massive expansion because that would entail a more complex logistical shift." 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 prefers to view the two events as complementary rather than competitive. "Both conferences serve the same overarching community, but we each bring something unique to the table," he says.
"The industry isn’t a cut‑throat arena; it’s more like a global circus where professionals travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge and networking. If one conference thrives, it lifts the entire ecosystem. We’re aware that GDC is currently grappling with challenges beyond its control, and we sincerely hope the situation improves for them and for the broader community." A notable addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits—single‑day gatherings designed to give senior industry figures a private forum free from press, microphones, and recordings. Hammes stresses the importance of providing such a safe environment, especially given the turbulent market conditions.
"These summits aren’t about passive listening; they’re about active dialogue," he explains. "When we opened the first session, every participant raised their hand to indicate they had delivered bad news to their teams that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they’d heard bad news themselves. It’s a stark reminder of how challenging the current climate is.
Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a space where they can speak candidly about the difficulties they face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the industry’s future. 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 should acquire. "That discrepancy raises an interesting question," Hammes observes.
"Are we over‑estimating AI’s impact, or are we under‑preparing for it? In my view, the answer lies elsewhere: the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. This suggests that industry professionals recognize a wave of change is coming, but they don’t expect technology alone to guide them through it. They’re looking for leaders who can chart a clear path and help teams navigate uncertainty." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition—one where small studios are poised to capture significant market share, where business acumen remains as essential as creative talent, and where collaborative, specialized events like Gamescom Dev can serve as vital incubators for both knowledge and leadership.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on adaptable leadership, coupled with a supportive ecosystem, may prove to be the most valuable asset for developers of all sizes.