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 a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management never disappears. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes explains.
"Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. Despite all the advances in technology, the commercial side is still a critical pillar of success." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the broader Gamescom experience into a full week of focused industry programming. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings substantial benefits.
"The case for integrating more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful, well‑established partner, and that partnership offers many practical advantages. For attendees who may be unfamiliar with the separate events, the logistics are dramatically simplified.
Previously there were two distinct conferences, two ticketing systems, and little cohesion between them. Today there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything you need. It’s the Gamescom business week, running from Monday through Friday, and anyone who purchases a ticket can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition until Friday." This year’s program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "We don’t want to chase arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals," he notes.
"The real measure is supply and demand. We’re seeing a trend toward greater specialization, and the content should reflect the nuanced needs of the community rather than simply filling a schedule." One practical limitation Hammes acknowledges is the physical capacity of the venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the event comfortably, there is little room for substantial growth without either expanding the space or moving closer to the main Gamescom grounds. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive expansion because that would require a more complex logistical shift, potentially relocating nearer to Gamescom itself," he says.
"If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll eventually need more space to serve that broader audience." 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 prefers to view the relationship as complementary rather than competitive. "We’re distinct organizations," he explains.
"Everyone wants to be profitable, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry functions like a global circus in a positive sense—people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and building networks. It’s not about eliminating other events to become the sole platform. When all conferences thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits.
Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external conditions, and we hope those issues improve soon. Ultimately, a healthy conference landscape lifts everyone." A notable new feature for this edition is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private environment—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the gaming market. "The purpose isn’t just to listen; it’s to speak openly and exchange perspectives," Hammes says.
"I was present when the first summit began. We asked for a show of hands on who had delivered bad news to their team this year, and every hand went up. We then asked who had received bad news about their own company, and again, every hand stayed raised. It’s a challenging climate right now, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence.
These summits create a safe space where they can be candid about difficulties and explore solutions together." The speaker survey also revealed a split view on artificial intelligence within the industry. 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. "What does that tell us?
It could mean we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "In reality, the data suggests the most critical competency is leadership—27 % of respondents named it the most important skill. That signals a consensus: we recognize change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and foster resilience." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for the next wave of small‑studio innovation, providing both the technical knowledge and the business acumen necessary for success.
By consolidating ticketing, expanding programming, and introducing private leadership forums, the conference aims to support a rapidly diversifying industry while remaining adaptable to future growth needs. The emphasis on leadership over pure technical skill underscores a broader industry shift: as technology evolves, the human element—vision, communication, and strategic guidance—remains the cornerstone of sustainable progress.