Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev earlier this year, points to the latest Gamescom Dev speaker survey as evidence that the most promising segment of today’s gaming market lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight creatively and technically, the need for solid business management does not disappear.
"Even if you’re a three‑person outfit, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day operations," he notes. "Gamescom Dev aims to be 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 technological advances, the business side remains crucial." The event, which was originally known as Devcom before its rebranding to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the broader Gamescom experience into a full‑week affair. Hammes believes that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings clear advantages.
"We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, and that partnership simplifies things for attendees. Previously, there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Today, there’s a single ticket portal that grants access to everything from Monday through Friday, allowing participants to move seamlessly between the developer‑focused sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition." This year’s programme features 390 speakers delivering 220 sessions across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a pure numbers game. "Success isn’t about hitting a specific speaker count or session total; it’s about matching supply with demand. We’re seeing the market become more specialised, and the content reflects that shift." However, the growth of Gamescom Dev is constrained by its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the space comfortably accommodates the existing schedule, Hammes acknowledges that “there’s limited room to expand.” Should the industry’s trajectory continue upward, the organisers may need to consider relocating or physically integrating more closely with the main Gamescom site. "We’re not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a larger logistical effort and possibly a move closer to Gamescom’s core facilities. If the democratization of game development continues—if small studios keep proliferating—we’ll inevitably need more space to serve everyone’s needs," he says.
Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 as a response to the departure of GDC Europe, filling a gap for European developers seeking a dedicated forum. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view the two events as direct competitors. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes," he explains.
"Both conferences operate independently, and while everyone wants to be profitable, the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is a global circus in the best sense—people travel from one event to another, sharing ideas and fostering collaboration. If one conference faces challenges, like GDC’s current venue issues, it doesn’t diminish the overall health of the sector. We all succeed when the whole ecosystem thrives." A notable new feature for this edition is the Leadership Summit series.
These one‑day, invitation‑only gatherings provide senior executives with a private environment—no press, no microphones, no recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market. Hammes stresses the importance of such a “safe space.” "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging candid perspectives," he says.
"During the inaugural summit, we asked participants to raise their hands if they had delivered bad news to their teams this year; every hand went up. When we asked who had received bad news, the same result occurred.
The current climate is undeniably tough, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. By offering a confidential setting, we encourage openness, which is essential for navigating uncertainty 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 to cultivate. Hammes interprets this disparity as a signal that technical proficiency alone won’t drive success. "You could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," he reflects. "In reality, the most critical skill highlighted by respondents—27 %—is leadership.
This tells us that the industry recognizes change is coming, but it’s not looking for a technological silver bullet. Instead, it’s seeking leaders who can guide teams through transition, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence amid rapid evolution." In summary, Gamescom Dev’s leadership envisions a future where small, agile studios become the engine of innovation, provided they receive robust business support and leadership development.
The event’s integration with Gamescom, its curated speaker lineup, and the introduction of confidential leadership summits all aim to equip developers with the knowledge, networks, and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive gaming landscape.