Frederik Hammes, who stepped into the role of managing director of Gamescom Dev after Stephan Reichart earlier this year, points to the recent Gamescom Dev speaker survey as clear 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 explains to 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 guidance, design insight, and also learn the fundamentals of running a business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, solid business acumen remains crucial." The event, formerly known as Devcom, underwent a rebranding in August 2025 and emerged as Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the overall Gamescom experience into a full‑week programme.
Hammes believes the closer alignment with the flagship Gamescom brand brings tangible benefits. "The case for tighter integration with Gamescom is compelling," he says. "We now have a powerful partner behind us, which opens up many practical advantages. For attendees, the process is simpler: previously there were two separate conferences, two ticketing systems, and little crossover.
Now there is a single ticket portal that grants access to everything—from the Monday‑through‑Friday business week to the main Gamescom exhibition. If you purchase a ticket, you can seamlessly move between the two events without juggling multiple passes." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 sessions spread across 17 stages. Hammes cautions, however, that the focus should not be on sheer numbers.
"It shouldn't be a numbers game," he remarks. "We don't need to hit arbitrary targets.
The market is naturally moving toward greater specialization, and our programming reflects that demand." A recurring limitation for the event is its venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the existing programme, Hammes acknowledges that physical space constraints could hinder future expansion.
"At the moment we fit comfortably, but there is limited room to grow," he notes. "If the industry continues on its current trajectory—especially with the democratization of game development driven by smaller studios—we may eventually need a larger site or a closer physical tie‑in with Gamescom itself." Gamescom Dev originated in 2017 to fill the void left by the departure of GDC Europe.
Although the San‑Francisco‑based Game Developers Conference (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor. Instead, he emphasizes a collaborative spirit within the global community.
"We are separate organisations," he says. "Everyone wants to make a profit, but the atmosphere isn’t cut‑throat. The industry functions like a global circus where professionals travel from one conference to another.
It's not about eliminating other events; when all conferences thrive, the whole sector benefits. Our colleagues at GDC are currently facing challenges beyond their control, related to the environment they operate in.
I hope those issues improve and that everyone can succeed." A notable new feature for this edition is the introduction of Leadership Summits—single‑day gatherings designed for senior executives to converse without media presence, microphones, or recordings. Hammes stresses the importance of providing a confidential environment where leaders can candidly discuss the turbulence affecting the market. "It's less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging ideas," he explains. "During the inaugural summit, we raised hands to see how many attendees had delivered bad news in the past year—every hand went up.
When we asked who had received bad news for their own company, the same result occurred. The climate is undeniably tough right now. Leaders often feel compelled to project strength and stability, but we need a safe space to acknowledge vulnerability and share strategies." 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.
"What does that tell us?" Hammes muses. "It could suggest we either overestimate AI's impact or under‑prepare for it.
My conclusion is that neither is true. The data shows that 27 % of respondents rank leadership as the most critical skill. In other words, industry professionals recognize that change is inevitable, but they are not looking for a technological silver bullet. They are seeking leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make informed decisions, and inspire confidence." Overall, Hammes envisions Gamescom Dev as a catalyst for the next wave of indie and mid‑size developers, offering them not only technical insights but also the business education needed to thrive.
By fostering connections between creators, investors, and seasoned executives, the conference aims to equip the next generation of studios with the tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving market.