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, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth potential in the video‑game market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing and all the other non‑creative tasks that keep the company afloat.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop shop where developers can soak up production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side stays crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom exhibition into a full week of focused development programming. Hammes explained that aligning the two events creates a stronger, more coherent experience for attendees. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom itself, and that brings a host of advantages.
Practically speaking, it simplifies things for people who may not have been familiar with the separate conferences before. Previously there were two ticketing systems, two sets of schedules, and little crossover. Today there is a single ticket portal, a unified agenda, and you can move seamlessly between the Gamescom business week and Gamescom Dev from Monday through Friday." This year’s lineup features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautioned against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition.
"It shouldn't be about hitting a specific quota of speakers or sessions. It's always a balance of supply and demand, and we’re seeing the programme become more specialised as the industry matures." One practical limitation Hammes highlighted is the physical capacity of the venue – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current space accommodates the event comfortably, there is "limited room to grow".
He warned that if the industry continues on its current trajectory, Gamescom Dev may need to consider expanding or moving closer to the main Gamescom site to provide additional room for the growing community of indie developers and specialised tracks. "Our current plan isn’t to balloon the event dramatically, because that would require a more substantial logistical undertaking and possibly a relocation nearer to Gamescom. If the democratization of game development keeps accelerating, we’ll eventually need more square footage to serve everyone." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 as a response to the disappearance of GDC Europe, aiming to fill the gap for European developers seeking a conference focused on creation rather than solely on business. While the San‑Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) remains a natural competitor, Hammes stressed that the two events coexist within a broader ecosystem of collaboration.
"We’re separate organisations, but there’s a genuine sense of community behind the scenes. Everyone wants to be profitable, yet it’s not a cut‑throat race. The industry is like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and networking.
If one event thrives, it lifts the whole sector." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond the organizers’ control have created difficulties. "Our colleagues at GDC are dealing with a tough environment right now, and we hope conditions improve for them. When all conferences succeed, the industry as a whole benefits." A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits – intimate, one‑day gatherings where senior executives can converse without the presence of press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes believes these sessions are vital for providing a "safe space" where leaders can candidly discuss the turbulence currently affecting the market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas.
When we opened the first summit, every participant raised their hand to admit they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they had heard bad news about their own companies. The climate is undeniably tricky. We want leaders to feel comfortable revealing vulnerabilities because at senior levels there’s often pressure to project unwavering confidence." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers view AI as the most transformative development for the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire.
Hammes interpreted this disparity as a sign that technical proficiency alone will not steer the industry through upcoming changes. "You could argue we either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it, but the data suggests the real priority is leadership.
27 % of respondents named leadership as the most critical skill. That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet; we’re looking for people who can guide teams through uncertainty." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a hub where small studios can thrive, where business education meets creative inspiration, and where industry leaders can safely navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving market.
The event’s integration with Gamescom, its focus on specialised content, and its commitment to fostering leadership signal a strategic shift toward supporting the next generation of developers while acknowledging the enduring importance of sound business practices.