Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear evidence that today’s most promising prospects lie with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight in terms of creative output, the need for solid business management never disappears.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he says. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the day‑to‑day administration. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn how to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, the commercial side stays crucial." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the famous Gamescom week, creating a seamless bridge between the two gatherings.
Hammes believes this integration brings tangible advantages for attendees and partners alike. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he notes. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies many practical aspects. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little connection between the programmes.
Today everything is consolidated under a single ticket shop. Participants can purchase one pass and enjoy the full suite of activities from Monday through Friday, moving freely between Gamescom Dev and the main Gamescom exhibition." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "It’s not about hitting a target headcount," he asserts. "Growth should be guided by genuine demand and the evolving specialisation of the industry. We want quality and relevance, not just volume." One logistical hurdle remains the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space currently accommodates the programme, Hammes acknowledges that its capacity limits future expansion. "We’re fitting comfortably for now, but there’s only so much room to grow," he admits. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility.
The democratisation of game development – more indie and micro‑studios entering the market – could eventually demand a bigger footprint." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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 audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes stresses that the relationship is collaborative rather than competitive. "Both organisations are separate entities, each pursuing their own revenue goals, but the atmosphere behind the scenes is very community‑focused," he explains.
"The industry isn’t a zero‑sum game. When one conference thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem. Right now GDC is facing some challenges due to external circumstances, and we genuinely hope they recover quickly. Success across all events signals a healthy, growing sector." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private space to converse without media presence, microphones, or recordings. Hammes believes such a setting is essential given the current turbulence in the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he says. "When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they’d delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they’d received bad news themselves.
The environment is undeniably tough. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need a safe venue where they can be candid about challenges and seek collective solutions." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers view AI as the most transformative development for the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers should acquire. "That discrepancy is telling," Hammes observes.
"It suggests we may either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it. In reality, the survey indicates that leadership is the most critical competency, with 27 % of respondents naming it the top skill. This tells us that the industry recognises change is inevitable, but the answer isn’t a new technology or a specific technical skill—it’s strong leadership to guide teams through uncertainty." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and the need for adept leadership outweighs pure technical prowess.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its focus remains on providing a comprehensive platform where creators can learn, network, and develop the business acumen required to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.