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 single greatest opportunity within the broader games market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that while technology enables compact teams to produce high‑quality experiences, the necessity of handling the commercial side of the operation 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 contracts, budgeting, marketing, and all the other non‑creative tasks that keep the company afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access everything they need—production expertise, programming know‑how, design insight, artistic direction, and, crucially, guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced our tools become, solid business fundamentals are still the backbone of success." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when the former Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the renowned Gamescom brand into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes this alignment brings clear advantages.
"The case for integrating more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them. Today, everything is consolidated under a single ticketing platform.
Visitors can purchase one pass and enjoy the full spectrum of sessions from Monday through Friday, seamlessly moving between Gamescom Dev and the main Gamescom exhibition." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 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 more specialized, and the real metric is whether we’re meeting the genuine demand for knowledge and networking. Quality and relevance matter far more than sheer volume." A practical limitation, however, is the physical space of the venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current layout accommodates the existing schedule, Hammes acknowledges that the site offers limited capacity for future expansion. "At present, we’re comfortably within the venue’s limits, but there isn’t much room to grow further," he admits. "If the industry continues its rapid trajectory, we may eventually need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom site or find a larger facility altogether.
The democratization of game development—where smaller studios can compete on a global stage—could eventually demand more floor space to serve a broader audience." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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 does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he highlights a collaborative spirit within the industry.
"We’re distinct entities, each with our own identity," he says. "Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The global conference circuit functions like a supportive circus—people travel from one event to another, sharing insights and building relationships. It’s not about eliminating rival gatherings; it’s about all of us thriving together. When one conference faces challenges, such as the current logistical issues at GDC, we hope the situation improves for everyone because a healthy ecosystem benefits the whole industry." A notable new feature at Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These exclusive, one‑day gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—where they can speak candidly about the turbulent market conditions. "The goal isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange ideas," Hammes explains. "During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news in the past year. Every hand went up.
When we asked who had heard bad news about their own company, the hands stayed raised. It’s a stark reminder of how challenging the current climate is.
Leaders often feel compelled to project confidence and stability, but these summits offer a safe space to acknowledge difficulties and discuss realistic strategies." The speaker survey also revealed a split perspective on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire. "That discrepancy is telling," Hammes observes. "It suggests we may either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it.
In reality, the most critical capability highlighted by the data is leadership—27 % of respondents identified it as the paramount skill. This indicates that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but the solution isn’t merely technical expertise. It’s about having leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make informed decisions, and foster a culture of adaptability." In summary, Hammes envisions a future where smaller studios drive innovation, Gamescom Dev continues to evolve as a comprehensive resource hub, and industry leaders prioritize human‑centered skills over purely technological ones. By fostering collaboration, offering integrated learning experiences, and providing safe spaces for honest dialogue, Gamescom Dev aims to support the entire gaming ecosystem as it navigates rapid change and emerging opportunities.