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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now constitute the most significant growth opportunity within the video‑game market. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explained that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need to manage the commercial side of the operation never disappears. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, marketing and all the other business‑related tasks," he said. "Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop shop where developers can soak up expertise across production, programming, design, and creative direction, while also learning how to run a sustainable business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, solid business fundamentals remain crucial." The event itself underwent a major rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes the integration offers numerous strategic advantages. "Aligning more closely with Gamescom gives us a powerful partner and simplifies the attendee experience," he noted.
"Previously we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems, which was confusing for newcomers. Now there’s a single ticket portal, and visitors can attend both the Dev program and the main Gamescom exhibitions from Monday through Friday under one umbrella. It’s a more cohesive, user‑friendly approach." This year’s lineup features an impressive 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 different stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "We’re not chasing arbitrary speaker counts or session totals. It’s about matching supply with demand and delivering specialized content that resonates with our audience," he said.
He observed a trend toward greater specialization, with developers seeking deeper, niche knowledge rather than broad, generic presentations. Despite its ambitious programming, the conference’s physical footprint is constrained by its current home at the Confex Center within the Koelnmesse complex. While the venue comfortably accommodates the present scale, Hammes acknowledges limited capacity for future expansion. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory, we may eventually need a larger space or a tighter integration with Gamescom’s main halls," he explained.
He added that any major enlargement would have to be carefully weighed against the logistical challenges of moving closer to the larger Gamescom site. 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 demographic and covers comparable topics, Hammes emphasizes a collaborative rather than competitive stance. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he said.
"We’re separate entities, each striving for profitability, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry functions like a global circus—people travel from one conference to another, sharing insights and building networks. When one event thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem. Right now GDC faces some challenges due to external conditions, and we hope those improve soon.
Ultimately, a healthy, thriving conference landscape benefits everyone." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private forum free from press, microphones, and recordings. Hammes stresses the importance of such a “safe space” for candid dialogue amid today’s turbulent market conditions.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarked. He recounted an opening exercise where every participant raised their hand to acknowledge having delivered bad news or received disappointing results over the past year—a stark illustration of the current industry climate. "Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we need environments where they can be honest about challenges and collectively brainstorm solutions," he added.
The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the sector. While 47 % of speakers identified AI as the most transformative development expected over the next three years, only 11 % considered AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire.
Hammes interpreted this disparity as a sign that technical expertise alone will not steer the industry through upcoming changes. "It’s not that we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," he explained.
"The data shows that 27 % of respondents view leadership as the most critical capability. In other words, we recognize that change is inevitable, but we don’t expect technology alone to rescue us. We need leaders who can guide teams, make strategic decisions, and navigate uncertainty.
That’s the talent the market will demand moving forward." In summary, Frederik Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux where small, agile studios hold the greatest promise, yet the fundamentals of business management and strong leadership remain indispensable. Gamescom Dev’s evolution—through rebranding, program expansion, and the introduction of exclusive leadership forums—reflects a proactive response to these trends, aiming to equip developers with both the creative know‑how and the managerial acumen required to thrive in a rapidly changing gaming landscape.