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 market segment belongs to smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate resources to handle the commercial side of the business. He believes Gamescom Dev offers a one‑stop environment where creators can access a full spectrum of expertise—from production and programming to creative design and, crucially, business management.
Despite the rapid evolution of technology, the fundamentals of running a studio remain a vital piece of the puzzle. The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom experience into a full week of industry‑focused programming. Hammes explains that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings practical benefits: a unified ticketing system, a clearer identity for attendees, and a seamless transition between the development‑centric sessions and the broader Gamescom showcase. "We now have one ticket shop that gives you access to everything from Monday through Friday, and you can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing separate passes," he says.
This year’s agenda is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. He argues that success should be measured by relevance and demand rather than sheer volume, noting that the market is becoming increasingly specialized.
The current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, comfortably accommodates the existing program, but Hammes acknowledges that physical constraints could limit future expansion. Should the industry continue its upward trajectory, the organizers may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue to accommodate the growing community of indie and small‑studio developers. Gamescom Dev’s origins trace back to 2017, when it was created to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit within the global development community, describing a “behind‑the‑scenes” camaraderie that benefits everyone.
"We’re separate companies, each aiming to generate revenue, but the competition isn’t cut‑throat. The industry functions like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another, and the health of one event reflects the health of the whole ecosystem," he remarks. In recent months, GDC has faced logistical challenges unrelated to its own performance, and Hammes expresses hope that the situation improves for all parties involved. He stresses that a thriving conference landscape is a win‑win for developers, publishers, and service providers alike.
A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev is the introduction of Leadership Summits—single‑day, invitation‑only gatherings where senior executives can speak candidly without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings. Hammes believes that providing a protected space for industry leaders to discuss the current turbulence is essential. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains. He recounts a moment when every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news during the past year, underscoring the collective difficulty of navigating a volatile market.
By fostering openness, the summits aim to break down the façade of unwavering stability that often surrounds high‑level management. The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers anticipate AI will be the most transformative force in the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire. Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that the industry may be over‑estimating AI’s impact while under‑preparing for it. However, he argues that the real priority lies elsewhere: leadership.
According to the survey, 27 % of respondents identified leadership as the most critical competency. "We recognize change is coming, but we aren’t looking for a technological silver bullet. We need people—leaders—who can guide us through uncertainty and help us adapt," Hammes says.
Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads. Small studios are empowered by leaner workflows and accessible tools, yet they still must grapple with the timeless challenges of budgeting, marketing, and team management. Gamescom Dev positions itself as a hub where these creators can acquire the knowledge and connections needed to thrive.
By consolidating educational sessions, networking opportunities, and business‑focused workshops under one roof, the conference aims to support the democratization of game development while preparing participants for the strategic decisions that will shape the future of the medium. Looking ahead, Hammes suggests that if the trend toward smaller, more agile studios continues, the event may need to expand physically or relocate closer to the main Gamescom venue to accommodate a broader audience. Until then, Gamescom Dev will continue to serve as a bridge between the creative and commercial realms, offering a comprehensive platform for developers of all sizes to learn, share, and grow together.