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 consists of smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that even a tiny team can produce impressive results, but the need to manage the business side of operations never disappears.
“If you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and marketing,” he says. “Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, coding insights, design inspiration, and also practical guidance on running a sustainable business, because technology alone isn’t enough to succeed.” The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the renowned Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single banner brings significant advantages. “We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies things for attendees,” he notes.
“Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy. Today everything is consolidated into one ticket shop, giving participants access to both the industry‑focused sessions of Gamescom Dev and the broader exhibition of Gamescom from Monday through Friday.” This year’s program features an impressive roster: 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers game. “Success isn’t about hitting arbitrary targets for speaker counts or session totals,” he asserts. “It’s about matching supply with demand and recognizing that the market is becoming increasingly specialized.” 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 “limited room to grow.” He hints that if the gaming sector continues its rapid expansion, the conference may need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom site or even secure a larger facility.
“We’re not planning a massive scale‑up right now, because that would require a more substantial logistical effort and possibly a move nearer to Gamescom,” he explains. “If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll need additional space to serve that broader community.” Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry.
“We’re separate organizations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat,” he says. “The global conference circuit is more like a circus where everyone travels from one event to another, sharing knowledge and networking. If one conference thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem.” He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors have created a difficult operating environment for them and wishing for an improvement in their situation. A notable new feature of Gamescom Dev this year is the introduction of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the current turbulence in the games market. Hammes stresses the importance of such “safe spaces.” “It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas,” he explains.
“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 up when asked how many had received bad news themselves. The environment is undeniably tough, and leaders often feel compelled to project confidence. These summits let them be honest and seek collective solutions.” The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. While 47 % of speakers believe AI will be the most transformative development for the industry over the next three years, only 11 % consider AI literacy the top skill to cultivate.
Hammes interprets this disparity as a sign that technical proficiency alone won’t drive future success. “The data suggests we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it,” he says. “In reality, the most critical skill, according to 27 % of respondents, is leadership.
That tells us 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 inspire confidence.” Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and leadership—more than any single technology—will determine how the sector navigates upcoming challenges. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a central meeting point for creators, developers, and business minds is set to grow, offering both practical resources and a collaborative community for the next generation of game makers.