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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most promising segment of the gaming market. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while lean teams can punch above their weight in terms of creative output, the necessity of handling business operations never disappears. “Even if you’re a three‑person team, someone still has to manage contracts, budgets and marketing,” he says.
“Gamescom Dev is designed to be a one‑stop shop where developers can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and also learn the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology gets, the business side remains crucial.” The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the main Gamescom week. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single umbrella brings significant benefits. “We now have a strong, established partner in Gamescom, and that creates a lot of synergies,” he notes.
“Previously attendees had to navigate two separate ticketing systems, two sets of schedules, and essentially two disconnected experiences. Today everything is unified under one ticket portal. If you purchase a pass, you can attend the Gamescom Dev sessions from Monday to Friday and then walk over to the main Gamescom exhibition without needing a second ticket.” This year’s program is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success isn’t measured solely by numbers.
“It shouldn’t be a numbers game. We’re not chasing arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand.
The industry is becoming more specialized, and our agenda reflects that shift.” One practical limitation Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself. The conference currently occupies the Confex Center at Koelnmesse, which, while adequate for now, leaves little room for future expansion.
“We’re at capacity in the current space, and if the industry continues on its present trajectory, we may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger venue,” he explains. “If the democratization of game development continues—more small studios entering the field—we’ll need more space to accommodate everyone.” 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 audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a competitor.
“There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes,” he says. “We’re separate companies, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry is like a global circus—people travel from one conference to the next, sharing ideas and building relationships. If one event thrives, it lifts the whole ecosystem.” He also expressed concern for GDC’s recent challenges, attributing them to broader environmental factors beyond the organizers’ control, and hopes for an improvement soon.
A notable addition to this year’s schedule is the series of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings give senior executives a private forum—free from press, microphones and recordings—to discuss the turbulent market conditions openly.
Hammes stresses the importance of such “safe spaces.” “It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives,” he remarks. “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 up when asked if they’d heard bad news about their own company.
The environment is challenging, and leaders often feel pressured to project confidence. Providing a confidential setting helps them be honest about the difficulties they face.” The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence. 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 to cultivate.
Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical proficiency alone won’t drive success. “You could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it,” he says. “In reality, the most critical skill highlighted by the survey is leadership—27 % of respondents named it the foremost competency.
That tells us the industry recognizes that change is inevitable, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, set clear visions, and help people adapt.” Overall, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in transition: smaller studios are gaining influence, conferences are consolidating for greater accessibility, and leadership development is becoming a priority amid rapid technological shifts. As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve, its role as a hub for both creative and business education aims to equip developers of all sizes with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and innovative market.