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 evidence that independent and smaller development studios now represent the most promising segment of the gaming market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can deliver impressive creative output, the need for solid business management does not disappear. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and marketing," he explains. "Gamescom Dev is designed to be a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, coding and design knowledge, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business, because technology alone isn’t enough to succeed."\n\nThe event, which was originally known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, now operates under the Gamescom Dev banner and effectively extends the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week programme.
Hammes believes that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more cohesive offering for attendees. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which brings many practical advantages," he says. "Previously, participants had to navigate two separate conferences, purchase different tickets, and deal with fragmented schedules.
Today everything is unified under a single ticketing system, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between the business‑focused days of Gamescom Dev from Monday to Friday and the larger Gamescom exhibition that runs alongside it."\n\nThis year’s edition features an impressive lineup: 390 speakers will deliver talks across 220 sessions spread over 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "It’s not about hitting arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he notes.
"The market is becoming increasingly specialised, and the real measure of success is matching supply with demand—providing the right content for the right audience at the right time."\n\nDespite the robust programme, Hammes acknowledges that the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, imposes physical limits on further expansion. The space comfortably accommodates the present format, but there is "limited room to grow" if the industry continues its rapid trajectory. He hints that future editions might need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom site or secure a larger venue to cater to the growing community of indie developers and small studios. "We’re not planning a massive expansion right now," he says, "but if the democratization of game development keeps accelerating, we’ll eventually need more space to serve everyone effectively."\n\nGamescom Dev was launched in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe, offering a European counterpart to the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference.
While GDC remains a natural competitor due to overlapping audiences and topics, Hammes stresses that the two events coexist in a collaborative ecosystem rather than a cut‑throat rivalry. "Both conferences aim to generate revenue, but the industry isn’t a zero‑sum game," he remarks. "It’s more like a global circus where developers travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and forging connections. When one conference thrives, it lifts the whole sector." He also expresses empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created difficulties, and hopes for an improvement in their circumstances.\n\nA notable addition to this year’s schedule is the series of Leadership Summits, intimate one‑day gatherings where senior executives can converse without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes believes these private forums are crucial given the turbulent market conditions. "It’s not just about listening; it’s about speaking up and exchanging candid insights," he says.
He recounts a moment during the inaugural summit when a simple show‑of‑hands revealed that every participant had delivered bad news to their teams that year, and all had also heard unsettling news about their own companies. "The environment is undeniably tough right now," Hammes observes. "Leaders are accustomed to projecting confidence, but they also need a safe space to admit vulnerability and discuss strategies for navigating uncertainty."\n\nThe speaker survey also uncovers a split opinion on artificial intelligence within the industry.
While 47 % of speakers anticipate AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % rank AI literacy as the top skill developers need to acquire. Hammes interprets this discrepancy as a sign that technical proficiency alone won’t drive future success. "People either overestimate AI’s impact or underestimate the preparation required," he explains.
"In reality, the most critical competency, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership. This tells us that the industry recognizes change is coming, but it’s not looking for a technological silver bullet.
It’s seeking leaders who can guide teams through the transition, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence."\n\nOverall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are empowered by leaner production pipelines and greater access to tools, yet they must still grapple with the timeless challenges of business management, market positioning, and leadership. Gamescom Dev aims to support this evolving landscape by offering a comprehensive platform where creative talent, technical know‑how, and business acumen converge. As the event continues to refine its format and potentially expand its physical footprint, its core mission remains clear – to provide a collaborative environment that nurtures both the artistic and commercial aspects of game development, ensuring that even the tiniest teams can thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.