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 opportunities in the gaming sector belong to smaller development houses. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explained to GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, design insight, creative feedback, and also practical lessons on running a business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals are still crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week programme.
Hammes believes the alignment with Gamescom brings significant strategic advantages. "The case for tighter integration with Gamescom is compelling," he said. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies matters for attendees.
Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday. If you purchase a pass, you can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing another ticket." This year’s schedule features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success should not be measured solely by numbers. "It isn’t a numbers game.
We don’t chase arbitrary attendance targets. It’s about matching supply with demand and recognising that the market is becoming more specialised," he noted.
One practical limitation for the event is its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present programme, Hammes acknowledges that physical expansion options are limited. "We are fitting well within the existing hall, but there isn’t much room for growth.
If the industry continues its rapid trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue," he said. He added that the democratization of game development—driven by smaller studios and accessible tools—could eventually demand more floor space to serve a broader audience. Gamescom Dev traces its origins back 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.
"There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he remarked. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a living, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat. The industry functions like a global circus—people travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge and networking.
If all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s current challenges, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created difficulties for the conference. "I hope the situation improves for them, because a healthy GDC is good for everyone," Hammes said.
A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the volatile state of the market candidly.
Hammes emphasized the importance of such a “safe space.” "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explained. "When we opened the first summit, every hand went up when we asked who had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed up when we asked who had received bad news.
The environment is undeniably tough right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but they also need a forum where they can be honest about challenges without fearing reputational damage." 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. Hammes interpreted this discrepancy as a sign that technical expertise alone will not drive success.
"You might think we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the truth lies elsewhere. The survey shows that 27 % of respondents rank leadership as the most critical skill," he said. "That tells us we recognise change is coming, 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." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for smaller studios to thrive, a platform where creative and business education intersect, and a community that values collaboration over competition.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve—driven by emerging technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and the rise of indie developers—the event aims to adapt by providing the knowledge, networking, and leadership support necessary for all participants to navigate the future successfully.