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 independent, smaller‑scale 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 punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management never disappears. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he explains. "Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the studio afloat.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can absorb production know‑how, programming expertise, creative direction, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, those business fundamentals stay crucial." The event, originally known as Devcom, was rebranded to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, effectively extending the overall Gamescom experience into a full week of focused development content. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences brings tangible benefits.
"There are strong arguments for bringing the development track closer to Gamescom," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which opens up many advantages. From a practical standpoint, it simplifies things for attendees who might not have been familiar with the separate events.
Previously, there were two distinct conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Now everything is consolidated under a single ticketing platform. If you purchase a pass, you can move freely between Gamescom and Gamescom Dev from Monday through Friday, creating a seamless business week for everyone involved." This year’s program is impressive in scale, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "It shouldn't be about hitting a specific headcount or session tally," he notes. "The real driver is supply and demand.
We're seeing a trend toward greater specialization, and the content reflects that shift." One logistical constraint Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself: the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the existing program, there is limited capacity for further expansion. "At the moment we fit comfortably within the space, but there isn’t 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 venue.
The idea isn’t to balloon the event indiscriminately; rather, it’s about ensuring we have enough room to serve the growing community of small studios and the democratization of game development that’s underway." Gamescom Dev traces its roots 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 collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes. "We’re separate entities, each with our own business goals, but the atmosphere is far from cut‑throat," he says.
"The industry feels like a global circus—in a good way—where professionals travel from one conference to the next. Success for one event often translates into broader health for the entire sector. We’re aware that GDC is currently facing challenges due to external conditions, and we sincerely hope those issues improve. When all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits." A fresh addition to this year’s lineup is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can speak candidly about the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," Hammes explains.
"During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news, and again, every hand stayed raised. The current climate is undeniably tricky. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we wanted to create a safe space where they can be honest about the challenges they 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 those figures? One could argue we’re over‑hyping AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects.
"My take is that neither is entirely accurate. When you ask what skill truly matters, 27 % of respondents point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we don’t expect technology alone to solve our problems. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a pivotal platform for small studios seeking both technical insight and business acumen.
By integrating more closely with Gamescom, simplifying ticketing, and offering specialized content—including the new Leadership Summits—the event aims to support the evolving needs of developers while acknowledging the physical limits of its current venue. As the industry continues to democratize, the emphasis on strong leadership and adaptable business strategies will likely become even more critical, ensuring that even the tiniest teams can thrive in a competitive market.