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 opportunity lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight in terms of creative output, the need for solid business management does not disappear.
"You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he says. "Even if your studio is just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing, and all the other non‑technical aspects that keep the company afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access everything they need – from production techniques and programming expertise to design insight and creative feedback – and also pick up practical lessons on running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the fundamentals of running a company stay crucial." The event, which was formerly known as Devcom, underwent a rebranding in August 2025 and emerged as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the flagship Gamescom exhibition into a full‑week business programme.
Hammes believes the decision to bring the two events closer together offers tangible benefits for attendees and partners alike. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he notes. "We now have a powerful, well‑known partner behind us, and that opens a host of advantages.
From a practical standpoint, it simplifies things for people who might be unfamiliar with the separate conferences. Previously, there were two distinct ticketing systems, two sets of tickets, and little cohesion between the programmes. Now there is a single ticket portal that gives you access to everything you want, from Monday through Friday. If you purchase a pass, you can move seamlessly between Gamescom Dev sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition without needing separate registrations." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured merely by headcount. "It shouldn't be a numbers game," he asserts. "We don’t set arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals. The real driver is supply and demand.
The market is becoming more specialized, and we want to reflect that specialization rather than simply inflating the programme." A practical limitation for further expansion is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current footprint comfortably accommodates the event, Hammes admits that space constraints could become a bottleneck if the industry’s growth trajectory continues. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive expansion because that would require us to consider moving physically closer to the main Gamescom site, which is a possibility down the line," he explains.
"If the trend toward smaller, more democratized studios continues, we’ll eventually need more room to host everyone." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of the European edition of GDC. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference shares a similar audience and agenda, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes the collaborative spirit that exists behind the scenes.
"We’re separate organisations, each with our own business model," he says. "Everyone wants to make money, but the environment isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think. The industry functions like a global circus – in a good way – where professionals travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships.
It’s not about eliminating other events; it’s about all of us thriving together. Right now GDC is dealing with some challenges related to its operating environment, and I hope those issues improve. When one conference does well, it lifts the whole ecosystem." A notable new feature of the Gamescom Dev agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private space free from press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes believes such a “safe space” is essential for candid discussion amid the turbulence currently affecting the games market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he remarks.
"When we launched the summits, we asked the participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news that year – every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news – again, everyone raised their hand. The environment is undeniably tricky right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence and stability, but we want to give them a venue where they can be honest about the challenges they face." The speaker survey also reveals a split opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in the industry’s future.
While 47 % of speakers predict AI will be the most transformative development over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill developers need to acquire. "How do we interpret that?
It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact, or perhaps we’re under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "My conclusion is that neither is entirely correct. When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % point to leadership. That tells us we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet.
We’re looking for people – leaders – who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are emerging as the engine of innovation, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and the need for strong, empathetic leadership is louder than ever. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its focus remains on providing a comprehensive platform where creators can learn, network, and grow, while also equipping them with the business acumen required to turn creative visions into lasting success.