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 lies with smaller development studios. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," he told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, and the day‑to‑day administration. I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative direction, design insights, and also practical lessons on running a business.
No matter how advanced the technology gets, the business side stays crucial." The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the traditional Gamescom week. Hammes explains that the rebranding was intended to bring the two gatherings closer together, creating a seamless experience for attendees. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which brings many advantages.
Practically speaking, it simplifies things for people who might not have attended before. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little connection between them. Today there is a single ticket portal, and everything you need is in one place. The Gamescom business week runs from Monday to Friday, and anyone who buys a ticket 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 should not be measured purely by numbers. "It isn’t a numbers game.
We don’t have to hit a specific quota of speakers or sessions. It’s always about supply and demand.
We’re seeing the market become more specialised, and that’s a healthy sign." One practical limitation the MD highlights is the physical capacity of the venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the event, there is "limited room to grow" within those walls. Should the industry continue its rapid expansion, Hammes suggests the conference may need to relocate or physically integrate more closely with Gamescom. "We’re not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a larger logistical effort, possibly moving nearer to Gamescom.
If the trend toward smaller studios and the democratisation of game development continues, we’ll eventually need more space to serve everyone." Devcom originally launched in 2017 to fill the void left when GDC Europe ceased operations. Although the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
He emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the industry, noting a strong sense of community behind the scenes. "We’re separate organisations, each trying to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The global conference circuit is like a circus in a good way—people travel from one event to another, sharing knowledge. It’s not about eliminating other conferences; if everyone thrives, the whole industry benefits. Our friends at GDC are currently facing challenges due to external conditions, and we 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 a private setting where top executives can converse without media, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes stresses the importance of offering leaders a "safe space" to discuss the turbulent market environment. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas. When we opened the first summit, we asked how many attendees had delivered bad news that year—every hand went up.
We asked how many had received bad news—again, every hand stayed raised. The climate is undeniably tricky right now. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we want a venue where they can be candid about challenges." 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 discrepancy as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t steer the industry through upcoming changes. "You might think we either overestimate AI’s impact or under‑prepare for it, but the real answer lies elsewhere.
The survey shows 27 % of respondents rank leadership as the most critical skill. 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 paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads: smaller studios are gaining prominence, the conference ecosystem is becoming more integrated, and the need for strong, adaptable leadership is paramount.
As Gamescom Dev continues to evolve—potentially expanding its physical footprint or deepening its partnership with Gamescom—it aims to remain a central hub where developers of all sizes can learn, network, and navigate the ever‑shifting landscape of game creation.