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 independent, smaller‑scale studios now represent the most significant growth opportunity within the video‑game market. "You can achieve more with a lean team, yet business responsibilities remain essential," Hammes told GamesIndustry.biz. "Even if your studio consists of just three people, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing, and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the operation afloat.
I like to think of Gamescom Dev as a one‑stop hub where developers can absorb everything they need—from production techniques and code craftsmanship to creative direction and design theory—while also learning how to run a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen remains crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom until its rebranding in August 2025, now operates under the Gamescom Dev banner and effectively extends the main Gamescom festival into a full‑week experience.
Hammes explained that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings clear advantages. "We now have a powerful partner in Gamescom, which simplifies matters for attendees. Previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little synergy between them.
Today there is one unified ticket shop, and participants can move seamlessly between the Gamescom business week—running Monday through Friday—and the broader Gamescom exhibition. This integration makes the whole experience more intuitive and accessible." This year’s programme is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages.
Yet Hammes cautions against treating the event as a mere numbers game. "It’s not about hitting a target attendance figure or packing as many talks as possible. The market is becoming more specialised, and we aim to match supply with genuine demand.
Quality and relevance trump sheer volume." Despite the robust line‑up, the conference’s growth is constrained by its current venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. Hammes acknowledges that while the space comfortably accommodates the present scale, there is limited capacity for further expansion. He suggests that if the industry continues on its current trajectory—particularly with the democratization of game development driven by smaller studios—the event may need to relocate closer to the main Gamescom grounds or secure a larger facility.
"We’re not planning a massive expansion right now because that would require a physical move closer to Gamescom, which is a possibility we’re keeping under review. If the trend toward smaller, more agile studios continues, we’ll need more room to serve that community effectively," he said. Gamescom Dev traces its origins back to 2017, filling the void left when GDC Europe discontinued its European edition.
While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) remains a natural competitor—targeting similar audiences and covering comparable topics—Hammes emphasizes a collaborative spirit rather than rivalry. "There’s a strong sense of community behind the scenes. We’re separate organisations, each striving for profitability, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry is like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another, sharing knowledge and building relationships.
If all the events thrive, the whole ecosystem benefits." He also expressed empathy for GDC’s recent challenges, noting that external factors beyond the conference’s control have created difficulties. "I hope conditions improve for our colleagues at GDC. Ultimately, the success of one event contributes to the health of the entire sector," Hammes remarked. A notable addition to this year’s schedule is the introduction of Leadership Summits—intimate, one‑day gatherings where senior executives can converse without press, microphones, or recordings.
Hammes believes these private forums are vital given the turbulent market conditions. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking openly.
During the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked if they had delivered bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they had received bad news themselves. It’s a stark reminder of how challenging the environment is. Leaders often feel pressure to project confidence, but we need a safe space where they can be candid about struggles and uncertainties." The speaker survey also revealed a split opinion on artificial intelligence.
While 47 % of speakers view AI as 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 gap as a sign that technical expertise alone won’t steer the future.
"You might think we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the real takeaway is that leadership tops the list of essential skills, with 27 % of respondents naming it as the most critical. This tells us that the industry recognises change is imminent, 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." In summary, Hammes paints a picture of an industry in flux, where small studios are poised to drive innovation, where business fundamentals remain as important as ever, and where leadership—more than any single technology—will determine how successfully the sector navigates upcoming challenges. The rebranded Gamescom Dev aims to support this evolution by offering a comprehensive platform that blends technical education, creative inspiration, and practical business guidance, all within a more integrated and accessible framework for developers of every size.