Frederik Hammes, who succeeded Stephan Reichart as the managing director of Gamescom Dev earlier this year, points to the latest Gamescom Dev speaker survey as evidence that the most promising segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management never disappears. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the day‑to‑day operations," he says.
He believes Gamescom Dev serves as a one‑stop hub where indie creators can access a full spectrum of expertise—from production pipelines and code craftsmanship to artistic direction and design theory—while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business in an increasingly tech‑driven landscape. The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom exhibition into a full‑week business program.
Hammes argues that this closer alignment with Gamescom brings tangible benefits. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies things for attendees," he notes. Previously, participants had to navigate two separate conferences, each with its own ticketing system and schedule.
Today, a single ticket grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, allowing delegates to move seamlessly between the business sessions of Gamescom Dev and the broader consumer showcase of Gamescom. This year’s agenda is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game.
"Success isn’t about hitting a target attendance figure; it’s about matching supply with demand and responding to the market’s growing specialization," he explains. He acknowledges that the current venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—places a ceiling on physical expansion.
While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, Hammes admits that “there’s limited room to grow.” Should the industry continue its rapid evolution, the conference may need to consider relocating closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue to serve an expanding community of indie developers. 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 (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes emphasizes that the two events coexist rather than compete.
He describes a collaborative spirit behind the scenes, noting that “we’re still different companies, but everyone wants to succeed, and the industry thrives when multiple conferences flourish.” He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, attributing them to broader environmental factors beyond the organizers’ control and wishing for a swift recovery. A notable new feature of this year’s program is the introduction of Leadership Summits—exclusive, invitation‑only gatherings where senior industry figures can converse without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes underscores the importance of providing a “safe space” for leaders to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly. He recounts an opening exercise where every participant raised their hand to acknowledge having delivered bad news in the past year, illustrating the collective strain many companies are feeling. "It’s not about listening; it’s about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," he says.
By fostering candid dialogue, the summits aim to help executives navigate uncertainty without the pressure to project unwavering confidence. The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the sector.
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 need to acquire. Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that the industry may be overestimating AI’s immediate impact while under‑preparing for the broader leadership challenges it presents.
He points out that 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most critical competency, suggesting that “we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet; we’re looking for people who can guide us through it.” In summary, Hammes paints a picture of a gaming ecosystem where small studios are poised to drive the next wave of innovation, provided they receive the right blend of creative support and business acumen. The rebranded Gamescom Dev aims to be that catalyst, offering a consolidated platform that merges educational content, networking opportunities, and practical guidance under one roof. As the conference grapples with venue constraints and the broader industry wrestles with AI and market volatility, the emphasis remains on cultivating strong leadership and fostering a collaborative community that can adapt to whatever challenges lie ahead.