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 significant growth potential in today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can deliver impressive creative output, the need for solid business management does not disappear.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he says. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, 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 absorb knowledge across the entire production pipeline—coding, design, creative direction, and even the practicalities of running a business. Despite the rapid evolution of technology, those business fundamentals remain crucial." The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full week of focused industry activities.
Hammes believes this integration offers clear advantages. "Aligning more closely with Gamescom gives us a powerful partner and simplifies the experience for attendees.
Previously we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems and little crossover. Now there is a single ticket portal, a unified schedule, and the ability for participants to move between Gamescom Dev and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday.
It creates a seamless business week for anyone looking to network, learn, and showcase their work." The 2026 edition of Gamescom Dev features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers delivering insights across 220 sessions on 17 different stages. Hammes cautions, however, that the event’s success should not be measured merely by numbers.
"It isn’t a numbers game. We don’t chase arbitrary attendance targets; we respond to genuine supply and demand. The market is becoming increasingly specialized, and we aim to reflect that specialization in our programming rather than simply inflating headcounts." A practical limitation for further expansion is the venue itself—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the event comfortably, Hammes notes that space constraints could become a bottleneck if the industry continues its rapid growth.
"We’re not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require moving physically closer to the main Gamescom site, which is an option we’re keeping open. If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll need additional capacity to serve that broader community." Gamescom Dev traces its origins to 2017, filling the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations.
Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and often covers overlapping topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes. We’re separate organizations, each with our own goals, but the industry thrives when multiple conferences succeed. It’s not about out‑competing each other; it’s about fostering a healthy ecosystem where developers can share ideas, find funding, and grow together.
GDC is currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and we sincerely hope they recover quickly. A flourishing GDC benefits the entire sector, just as a vibrant Gamescom Dev does." A notable new feature for this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits—intimate, one‑day gatherings reserved for senior executives. These sessions are deliberately free of press, microphones, and recordings, providing a confidential environment for candid discussion.
Hammes emphasizes the importance of such safe spaces, especially given the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives.
When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked about hearing bad news from other companies. The industry is navigating a tricky landscape, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. These summits let them lower that guard, share real challenges, and collectively brainstorm solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on 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 to cultivate.
Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t drive success. "You might think we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the data suggests a different conclusion. The most valued skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. That tells us the industry recognizes impending change and is looking for people—not just tools—to guide them through it.
Effective leaders will shape strategy, manage risk, and inspire teams as AI and other technologies become more embedded in game development." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are poised to capture significant market share, the conference ecosystem is evolving to support both creative and business education, and leadership—more than any single technology—will be the compass that steers the sector forward. As Gamescom Dev continues to refine its format and expand its offerings, it aims to remain a central hub where developers of all sizes can learn, network, and grow together, ensuring the gaming landscape stays vibrant, innovative, and inclusive.