Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as evidence that independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant opportunity within the gaming sector. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a business.
No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side of things remains crucial." The event, originally known as Devcom, was renamed Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience dedicated to development. Hammes believes the rebranding strengthens the connection between the two events. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings numerous practical advantages.
For attendees, the process is far simpler – previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little integration. Now there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything you need. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday to Friday, and anyone who purchases a ticket can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition during that period." This year's edition features an impressive roster of 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success should not be measured solely by numbers. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarks.
"We don't need to hit arbitrary attendance targets. The market is naturally balancing supply and demand, and we see a trend toward greater specialization." A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present program, Hammes acknowledges that physical growth is constrained.
"At the moment we are at capacity, with limited room to expand," he notes. "If the industry continues on its present trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger location.
The democratization of game development—more small studios entering the field—could eventually require additional space to serve everyone effectively." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, launched to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the global development community. "We are separate organizations, each with the goal of generating revenue, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat," he says.
"The industry functions like a global circus—in a positive sense—where professionals travel from one conference to the next. It isn’t about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together.
Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges related to their operating environment, and we hope those issues improve. When every conference does well, the whole ecosystem benefits." A fresh feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private space—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking openly," Hammes explains.
"During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news that year; every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news about their own company, and again, everyone raised their hand. The environment is undeniably tough right now.
Leaders are accustomed to projecting confidence and stability, but we need a safe environment where they can be candid about the challenges they face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of presenters 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? Perhaps we overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it," Hammes says.
"My conclusion is that neither is entirely accurate. When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We’re looking for people—leaders—who can guide us through the transition." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a growing platform that supports both the creative and business dimensions of game development, especially for smaller studios that are reshaping the market. By fostering a collaborative environment, offering practical resources, and providing leadership with a confidential forum, the event aims to equip the industry to navigate both technological advances and economic uncertainties. The future may demand larger venues or closer integration with Gamescom, but the core mission remains: to empower developers of all sizes to succeed in an ever‑evolving landscape.