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 opportunity in the video‑game sector lies with smaller development studios. In his conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Hammes explains that while a compact team can punch above its weight in terms of creative output, the need for solid business management does not disappear. "Even if you’re a three‑person studio, someone still has to handle contracts, finances, marketing and the myriad administrative tasks that keep the company afloat," he says.
"Gamescom Dev aims to be a one‑stop shop where creators can access production expertise, programming know‑how, artistic guidance and design insight, while also picking up the fundamentals of running a sustainable business. No matter how advanced the technology becomes, the commercial side remains crucial." The event itself underwent a significant rebranding in August 2025, when Devcom was renamed Gamescom Dev, effectively extending the reach of the broader Gamescom festival into a full‑week program. Hammes believes the closer alignment with the flagship Gamescom brand brings tangible advantages.
"We now have a powerful, well‑recognised partner behind us, which simplifies things for attendees who may not be familiar with the separate conferences," he notes. "Previously there were two distinct ticketing systems, two sets of prices and little integration between the two gatherings.
Now everything is consolidated under a single ticket portal, giving participants access to both the business‑focused sessions and the main Gamescom exhibition from Monday through Friday." This year’s schedule is ambitious, featuring 390 speakers and 220 individual sessions spread across 17 stages. Yet Hammes cautions that success should not be measured solely by numbers.
"We’re not chasing arbitrary attendance targets; it’s about matching supply with demand and delivering content that matters to our community," he asserts. "We’re seeing a trend toward specialization, with developers seeking deeper, more niche knowledge rather than a broad, generic program." One practical limitation Hammes acknowledges is the physical capacity of the venue, the Confex Center at Koelnmesse. While the current layout accommodates the existing programme, there is little room for substantial expansion without relocating or redesigning the space.
He suggests that if the gaming industry continues its rapid growth, the event may eventually need to move even closer to the main Gamescom site to secure additional space. "Our current plan is not to balloon the event dramatically, because that would require a major logistical shift, potentially bringing us physically nearer to Gamescom itself," he explains.
"If the democratization of game development continues—if more indie and micro‑studios emerge—we’ll inevitably need larger facilities to host everyone." Gamescom Dev’s origins trace 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 (GDC) targets a similar audience and covers comparable topics, Hammes does not view it as a direct competitor.
He emphasizes a spirit of collaboration rather than rivalry, describing a behind‑the‑scenes community that supports one another. "We’re separate organisations, each with our own business model, but the industry thrives when all of us succeed," he says. "It’s not a cut‑throat battle; it’s more like a global circus where people travel from one conference to another, sharing ideas and building relationships. When one event faces challenges—like the current difficulties GDC is experiencing due to external factors—we all hope they recover, because a healthy ecosystem benefits everyone." A notable new feature on the Gamescom Dev agenda is the series of Leadership Summits.
These one‑day gatherings are deliberately designed to be press‑free, microphone‑free and recording‑free, offering senior executives a confidential environment to discuss the turbulent market conditions without the pressure of public scrutiny. Hammes stresses the importance of such safe spaces for open dialogue. "It’s less about listening and more about speaking up and exchanging perspectives," he remarks. "During the inaugural summit, every participant raised their hand when asked if they had delivered bad news to their team that year, and the same hands stayed up when asked if they had received bad news themselves.
It highlighted how challenging the current climate is for leaders. By providing a venue where they can be vulnerable, we help them move beyond the façade of constant strength and foster genuine, strategic conversations." The speaker survey also revealed a split view on artificial intelligence within the industry. 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 developers need to cultivate. Hammes interprets this gap as a sign that technical expertise alone will not drive future success.
"Some might say we’re over‑estimating AI’s impact or under‑preparing for it," he observes. "In reality, the most critical competency emerging from the data is leadership—27 % of respondents identified it as the foremost skill.
This tells us that the industry recognizes change is inevitable, but we’re not looking for a technological silver bullet. We need leaders who can guide teams through uncertainty, make strategic decisions, and inspire innovation." In summary, Gamescom Dev under Hammes’s direction is positioning itself as a comprehensive hub for small‑studio creators, offering both technical workshops and essential business education, while also fostering a collaborative atmosphere with other major industry events.
The event’s integration with Gamescom, its focus on specialized content, and the introduction of confidential leadership forums all reflect a nuanced response to the evolving needs of today’s game developers. As the sector continues to expand and diversify, Hammes anticipates that the demand for larger venues and more inclusive programming will grow, prompting further alignment with the broader Gamescom ecosystem.