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 opportunity in the gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while a compact team can be surprisingly productive, the necessity of handling the business side of operations 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 finances, contracts, marketing, and all the other non‑technical aspects.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, artistic direction, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. Despite all the advances in technology, solid business acumen remains crucial." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom adopted the Gamescom Dev name, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom exhibition into a full‑week program. Hammes believes the integration offers clear advantages.
"The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful, well‑established partner, which brings numerous practical benefits. For attendees who may be unfamiliar with the separate conferences, the new structure simplifies everything. Previously there were two distinct events, two ticketing systems, and little connection between them.
Now there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything you need. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday through Friday, and anyone who purchases a ticket can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition during that time." This year’s program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn’t be a numbers game," he remarks. "We’re not chasing arbitrary targets. It’s always about matching supply with demand, and we’re seeing the market become more specialized." One limitation Hammes acknowledges is the physical capacity of the venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current layout accommodates the event, there is "limited room to grow," and future expansion may require a closer physical relationship with the main Gamescom site. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive enlargement because that would entail a larger logistical undertaking, potentially moving nearer to Gamescom," he notes.
"If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratization of game development continues, we’ll eventually need more 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 audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he highlights a sense of camaraderie behind the scenes. "We’re separate organizations," he says. "Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think.
The industry is like a global circus—in a good way—where professionals travel from one conference to another. It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together.
When one conference faces challenges, such as the current issues GDC is dealing with due to its operating environment, we hope the situation improves for everyone." A fresh addition to the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide a private setting for senior executives to converse without the presence of press, microphones, or recording equipment. Hammes stresses the importance of offering a "safe space" where leaders can openly discuss the turbulent conditions affecting the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains.
"When we first held the summit, we asked the room how many had delivered bad news that year—every hand went up. We then asked how many had received bad news for their own company—again, everyone raised their hand. The environment is undeniably challenging right now. We want leaders to feel comfortable sharing their concerns because at senior levels there’s often pressure to project confidence and stability, which can stifle honest dialogue." 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. "What does that tell us? Perhaps we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes observes. "My conclusion is that neither is entirely accurate.
When you ask what the most critical skill actually is, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That translates to: ‘We know change is coming. We aren’t looking for a technological silver bullet; we’re looking for people who can guide us through it.’ In other words, the industry is seeking leaders who can chart a course through uncertainty, rather than relying solely on technical expertise." Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leadership—both in business and in navigating emerging technologies—remains the cornerstone of future success.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a central hub for knowledge, networking, and professional development is set to expand, supporting the next generation of game creators and the broader market they serve.