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 independent and smaller development studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the video‑game market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the necessity of handling the commercial side of the business does not disappear. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to manage contracts, budgeting, marketing, and legal matters.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insight, and also acquire the skills needed to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen stays crucial." The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025 when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom brand into a full‑week programme.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive experience for attendees and exhibitors alike. "The case for bringing Gamescom Dev closer to Gamescom is compelling," he says.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which brings many practical advantages. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Now everything is unified under a single ticketing platform. Attendees can purchase one pass and enjoy the full suite of activities from Monday through Friday, moving seamlessly between the business‑focused sessions of Gamescom Dev and the broader entertainment offerings of Gamescom itself." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured merely by numbers. "It shouldn’t become a numbers game," he notes.
"We don’t need to hit arbitrary attendance targets. The market is naturally moving toward specialization, and we aim to match supply with genuine demand." A practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present programme, Hammes admits that physical expansion is constrained. "At the moment the venue fits our needs, but there is limited room for growth," he says.
"If the industry continues its rapid expansion, we may eventually need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom site or find a larger facility. The democratization of game development—where smaller studios can produce high‑quality titles—could drive the need for more space to serve a broader audience." Gamescom Dev traces its origins 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 demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes.
"We’re separate organisations, each with our own goals and revenue models, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat," he explains. "The industry feels like a global circus in a positive sense—people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and building networks. If one event thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem. Recently, our colleagues at GDC have faced challenges due to external factors, and we sincerely hope their situation improves.
Success across all major gatherings benefits everyone." A notable new feature for this edition is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly. "The goal isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak up and exchange candid perspectives," Hammes says. "When we first held the summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they had delivered bad news to their teams that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked about hearing bad news from elsewhere.
The climate is undeniably tough right now. Leaders often feel pressured to project confidence, but these summits create a safe space for vulnerability, enabling honest dialogue about the challenges we all face." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers 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 reconcile that?
It could mean we over‑estimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it," Hammes reflects. "My conclusion is that neither is entirely accurate.
When you ask what skill truly matters, 27 % of respondents point to leadership as the most critical. This suggests that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster adaptability." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are emerging as key innovators, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leadership—more than any single technology—is seen as the cornerstone for navigating future challenges.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its focus remains on providing a comprehensive platform where creators can learn, network, and grow, all while acknowledging the practical limits of its current venue and the broader market dynamics shaping the world of interactive entertainment.