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 today’s most promising market segment belongs to smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a tiny team can punch above its weight, but the need for solid business management never disappears. "If you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day operations," he explains. "Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, coding tricks, design insights, and creative mentorship, while also learning the fundamentals of running a sustainable business.
Technology is vital, but without a sound commercial strategy, even the best games can’t thrive." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively stretches the traditional Gamescom schedule into a full‑week experience. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings considerable advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies things for attendees," he notes.
"Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Today, everything is consolidated into one ticket portal, giving visitors access to the entire business week from Monday through Friday.
If you buy a ticket for Gamescom Dev, you can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing another pass." This year’s programme features an impressive roster: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 distinct stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "Our focus isn’t on hitting arbitrary targets; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing a trend toward greater specialization," he says.
Despite the strong lineup, the venue – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse – imposes a ceiling on how much the show can expand. Hammes acknowledges that while the current space accommodates the event comfortably, there is "limited room to grow." He hints that if the industry’s trajectory continues upward, the conference may need to physically move closer to the main Gamescom grounds or seek a larger site. "We’re not planning a massive scale‑up right now because that would require a more permanent shift toward the Gamescom campus. However, if the democratization of game development persists, with more indie and micro‑studios entering the market, we’ll eventually need more room to serve that broader audience," he adds.
Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, filling the void left when GDC Europe discontinued its European edition. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes prefers to view the two events as complementary rather than competitive. "There’s a genuine sense of community behind the scenes," he remarks. "We’re separate organisations, each aiming to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus – people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and networking. If one event thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem." He also expresses empathy for GDC’s current challenges, noting that external factors have created a difficult operating environment for the conference. "I hope the situation improves for them, because when all of us succeed, the entire sector benefits," Hammes says.
A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private forum—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market. Hammes underscores the importance of such a "safe space" for candid dialogue.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains. "When we first held a summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they’d delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed up when asked if they’d received bad news themselves. The environment is undeniably tricky right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. These summits let them drop that façade and address real concerns openly." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative force in the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to cultivate. Hammes interprets this discrepancy as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t solve upcoming challenges.
"You could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," he says. "In reality, the most critical skill highlighted by 27 % of respondents is leadership. That tells us the industry recognizes change is imminent, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux, where smaller studios are emerging as the engine of growth, and where business acumen, community collaboration, and strong leadership are becoming as essential as any new technology.
Gamescom Dev aims to support this evolution by offering a comprehensive platform that blends creative education with practical business training, ensuring that developers of all sizes can navigate the future of gaming with confidence.