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. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes emphasizes that even a three‑person team must still allocate resources to handle the commercial side of the business.
He believes Gamescom Dev offers a one‑stop environment where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, creative guidance, design insights, and, crucially, education on running a sustainable business despite the rapid evolution of technology. The event, which was renamed from Devcom to Gamescom Dev in August 2025, now effectively extends the reach of the broader Gamescom festival into a full‑week schedule. Hammes explains that aligning the two conferences under a single brand brings significant practical advantages. "We now have a strong, established partner in Gamescom, which simplifies matters for attendees.
Previously, participants faced two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little integration between the programs. Today, there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything—from the developer‑focused sessions to the main Gamescom exhibition—throughout the week from Monday to Friday." This year’s lineup features 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions against treating the event as a numbers‑driven competition.
"It’s not about hitting a specific quota of speakers or sessions. The market is becoming more specialized, and we must respond to genuine supply and demand rather than chasing arbitrary targets," he says. Despite the impressive programming, Hammes acknowledges that the venue—the Confex Center at Koelnmesse—places a ceiling on how much the event can expand physically. While the current space comfortably accommodates the schedule, there is "limited room to grow".
He suggests that if the gaming industry continues its current trajectory, Gamescom Dev may need to consider moving closer to the main Gamescom site or finding a larger facility. "Our current plan is not to dramatically increase the size of the event, because that would entail a substantial logistical shift, potentially relocating nearer to Gamescom. If the democratization of game development persists, with more indie and micro‑studios entering the market, we’ll inevitably require more room to serve that audience." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 as a response to the disappearance of the GDC Europe conference, aiming to fill the gap for European developers. While the San Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
He highlights a collaborative spirit within the industry, describing a "community behind the scenes" where companies recognize that collective success benefits everyone. "We’re separate entities, each trying to profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat.
The industry functions like a global circus—people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and fostering growth. If one event faces challenges, such as the current difficulties GDC is experiencing due to external circumstances, we hope the situation improves for all." A notable addition to this year’s agenda is the introduction of Leadership Summits. These one‑day gatherings provide senior executives a private setting—free from press, microphones, and recordings—to discuss the turbulent state of the market. Hammes stresses the importance of a "safe space" for candid dialogue.
"It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives. When we opened the session, every participant raised their hand to acknowledge delivering bad news that year, and the same hands stayed raised when asked if they had received bad news themselves.
The environment is undeniably tough, and leaders often feel pressure to project confidence. These summits allow them to lower that guard and address real concerns." The speaker survey also reveals a split opinion on artificial intelligence within the industry. While 47 % of speakers predict 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 suffice. "We might think we’re either over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it, but the real takeaway is that leadership ranks highest—27 % of respondents named it the most critical skill.
This indicates that developers recognize change is inevitable and are seeking leaders who can guide them through it, rather than hoping a specific technology will solve every problem." In summary, Frederik Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a hub where small studios can thrive, supported by comprehensive educational resources and a community‑focused ethos. The event’s integration with Gamescom, its emphasis on specialized content over sheer quantity, and its new Leadership Summits all reflect a strategic shift toward nurturing talent and fostering resilient leadership in an industry that is rapidly evolving and increasingly democratized. As the gaming landscape continues to expand, the need for adaptable, well‑informed leaders—and spaces that allow them to converse openly—will remain paramount.