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 segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate someone to handle the commercial side of the operation. He believes Gamescom Dev provides a one‑stop environment where indie creators can access a full spectrum of expertise—from production and programming to creative direction and design—while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. "The technology is powerful, but without solid business acumen you won’t survive," he notes.
The event, originally known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, now carries the Gamescom Dev name and effectively extends the larger Gamescom festival into a dedicated week of industry‑focused programming. Hammes argues that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive experience for attendees. "We now have a single ticketing platform, a unified schedule, and a clear connection between the developer‑centric sessions and the broader Gamescom showcase," he explains.
This integration, he says, simplifies logistics for participants who might have previously navigated two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and disjointed itineraries. The current edition features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 distinct stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating these numbers as the sole measure of success. "It’s not a numbers game; it’s about matching supply with demand and delivering specialised content that meets the evolving needs of the community," he asserts.
He observes a trend toward greater specialization, with sessions increasingly tailored to niche topics such as live‑ops optimisation, cross‑platform monetisation, and emerging narrative techniques. Despite its growth, the event’s physical footprint is constrained by the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. Hammes acknowledges that the venue is approaching its capacity limits, leaving little room for further expansion unless the conference relocates or physically moves closer to the main Gamescom grounds. He hints that future plans may involve a larger site or a tighter integration with Gamescom to accommodate the rising demand from indie developers and smaller studios seeking exposure and networking opportunities.
Gamescom Dev’s origins trace back to 2017, when it was launched to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. While the San‑Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist rather than compete. He describes a collaborative spirit within the industry, noting that “we’re all part of a global circus, moving from conference to conference, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other.” He also comments on recent challenges faced by GDC, attributing them to broader environmental and logistical issues rather than any fault of the organizers, and expresses hope for a swift resolution.
A notable new feature of this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits—private, press‑free gatherings where senior executives can speak candidly about the turbulent market conditions without the pressure of public scrutiny. Hammes explains that these summits provide a “safe space” for leaders to voice concerns, share bad news, and discuss strategies openly. He recounts an opening poll where every participant raised their hand to acknowledge having delivered disappointing results that year, underscoring the difficulty of maintaining a façade of stability in a volatile industry. The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the impact of artificial intelligence.
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 over‑estimating AI’s immediate influence while under‑preparing for it. He argues that the most critical competency is leadership, with 27 % of respondents naming it the foremost skill. "We recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet; we need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and help them adapt," he says.
Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: small studios are empowered by leaner production pipelines and accessible tools, yet they must still master the business fundamentals to thrive. Gamescom Dev aims to support this demographic by offering comprehensive education, networking, and a platform that bridges the gap between creative development and commercial viability.
As the conference looks ahead, the possibility of expanding its physical space or deepening its integration with Gamescom looms, driven by the continued democratisation of game creation and the growing appetite for specialised, high‑quality content. The emphasis on leadership, realistic AI expectations, and collaborative community spirit suggests that the future of gaming will be shaped not just by technology, but by the people who can steer it responsibly.