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 evidence that today’s most promising market segment lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that even a three‑person team must still allocate resources to business operations, underscoring the need for a holistic support system. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet the business side remains essential," he says. "If you’re just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and marketing.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop shop where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, artistic direction, design insight, and also learn how to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business fundamentals are still crucial." The event, which was rebranded from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now essentially extends the traditional Gamescom experience into a full week of dedicated development programming. Hammes believes the proximity to Gamescom offers clear advantages. "The case for aligning more closely with Gamescom is compelling," he notes.
"We now have a powerful partner behind us, and that brings many practical benefits. Previously, attendees had to navigate two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and two distinct purchase processes, with little overlap between them.
Today it’s a single ticket portal that grants access to everything you need. It’s truly the Gamescom business week, running from Monday through Friday. If you buy a ticket, you can also wander over to the main Gamescom exhibition until Friday." This year’s programme features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Hammes cautions, however, that success shouldn’t be measured purely by numbers. "It shouldn’t be a numbers game," he emphasizes.
"We don’t need to hit arbitrary attendance targets. It’s always about supply and demand, and we’re seeing the market become more specialised." One logistical constraint Hammes acknowledges is the venue itself – the Confex Center at Koelnmesse.
While the current space accommodates the event, he admits there is "limited room to grow" and hints that future expansion might require a closer physical integration with Gamescom. "At the moment we’re not planning a massive enlargement because that would demand a bigger move, possibly even a tighter link to Gamescom’s main site," he explains. "If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratisation of game development continues, we’ll eventually need more space to serve 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 shares a similar audience and thematic focus, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
Instead, he highlights a sense of camaraderie that runs behind the scenes of both events. "We’re still separate organisations," he says. "Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t as cut‑throat as some might think.
The industry is like a global circus, in a good way – people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and networking. It isn’t about eliminating other events; if all conferences thrive, the whole sector benefits. Our friends at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external circumstances, and I sincerely hope their situation improves soon." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day gatherings provide senior industry figures with a private setting—no press, no microphones, no recordings—where they can discuss the current turbulence in the games market. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," Hammes explains.
"I was there when the first summit launched. We did a quick poll: how many of you have had to deliver bad news this year?
Every hand went up. How many have heard bad news about your own company? Again, every hand stayed up.
The environment is undeniably tricky right now. We want to give leaders a safe space to be vulnerable, because at senior levels there’s often pressure to project confidence and stability." The speaker survey also reveals 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. "How do we reconcile that? One could argue we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," Hammes reflects. "My conclusion is that neither is entirely accurate.
When you ask what skill truly matters most, 27 % point to leadership. That tells us we recognise change is coming, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty and help them adapt." In summary, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for small studios, a hub where creative talent can access both technical and business mentorship, and a platform that adapts to the evolving needs of the industry. By fostering collaboration, offering specialised content, and providing a secure environment for leadership dialogue, the event aims to empower the next generation of developers while navigating the challenges posed by rapid technological shifts and market volatility.