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 while compact teams can punch above their weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management does not disappear. "A three‑person studio can still produce impressive experiences, but someone still has to handle contracts, budgeting, and the day‑to‑day administration," he explains.
"Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, coding tips, design insight, and also practical guidance on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, the fundamentals of running a company remain crucial." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the larger Gamescom brand into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes this alignment offers tangible benefits for attendees and exhibitors alike. "Linking our conference more closely with Gamescom makes a lot of sense," he says.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, which simplifies things for participants. Previously we ran two separate conferences with distinct ticketing systems and little crossover. Now there is a single ticket portal, and anyone who purchases a pass can move freely between Gamescom Dev sessions from Monday through Friday and also attend the main Gamescom exhibition.
This unified approach lowers barriers and makes the whole experience more coherent." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 individual sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured purely by numbers. "It isn’t a race to hit a specific headcount," he notes.
"The market is becoming more specialized, and the real metric is whether we’re meeting the right demand with the right content." One practical limitation the MD highlights is the physical capacity of the current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the space comfortably accommodates the present schedule, there is little room for substantial expansion without relocating or redesigning the layout.
"We’re not planning a massive increase in size right now," Hammes says. "If the industry continues its rapid growth, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue.
The democratization of game development—more indie and micro‑studios entering the field—could eventually require more room to host everyone." Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, filling the gap left when GDC Europe discontinued its European edition. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and thematic focus, Hammes prefers to view the relationship as complementary rather than competitive.
"Both events serve the global community, and there’s a genuine sense of collaboration behind the scenes," he remarks. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a traveling circus—people move from one conference to the next, sharing ideas and building networks.
If one event faces challenges, like the current difficulties GDC is experiencing due to external circumstances, we all hope they recover quickly because a healthy ecosystem benefits everyone." A fresh addition to this year’s agenda is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings give senior executives a private space to converse without the presence of journalists, microphones, or recording devices. Hammes stresses the importance of such safe environments, especially given the turbulent market conditions.
"The goal isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange perspectives," he says. "During the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked how many had delivered bad news to their teams this year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked how many had heard bad news about their own companies.
It’s a stark reminder of how challenging the climate is. Leaders often feel pressured to project confidence, but they also need a venue where they can acknowledge uncertainty and discuss strategies candidly." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the industry’s future. While 47 % of respondents 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 disparity suggests we might be either over‑hyping AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes observes. "In reality, the survey shows that 27 % of speakers view leadership as the most critical capability. This tells us that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but the solution isn’t simply new technology—it’s strong leadership that can guide teams through transition." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of growth, yet they still require robust business support; the conference is evolving to become more integrated with Gamescom, offering a seamless experience for participants; venue constraints may prompt future relocation; and while AI sparks excitement, the consensus underscores that effective leadership will ultimately determine how the sector navigates upcoming challenges.
The expanded focus on leadership summits and the continued emphasis on practical, cross‑disciplinary knowledge aim to equip developers—big and small—with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive market.