gamescom dev speaker survey puts AI, smaller teams and leadership at the center of industry change

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– Economic uncertainty remains the leading concern, while discoverability continues to challenge the industry –

AI-assisted development may have the greatest impact on the games industry over the next three years, according to the 2026 gamescom dev Speaker Survey. But technology is only one part of the picture. Respondents also identified smaller teams as the biggest opportunity for developers, leadership as the most sought-after future skill, and economic uncertainty as its greatest challenge.

The survey, completed by 100 speakers from this year’s gamescom dev conference, offers a snapshot of current industry sentiment ahead of the event, taking place from August 23–25. Overall, 83% expect AI to affect team structure or productivity in some way, while 54% cite economic uncertainty as the industry’s biggest current challenge, and 32% believe more transparent platform algorithms would most improve game discoverability.

AI expected to change teams and roles

AI is widely expected to influence how development teams operate, although respondents differ on what that change will look like. 36% believe AI will change roles rather than reduce teams, 33% expect smaller team sizes, and 14% anticipate increased output per person.

Opinions also remain divided on its current use: 34% see the greatest value of AI in Code & Production, while 30% would prefer as little AI involvement in game development as possible. The result remains broadly consistent with the 2025 survey.

Smaller teams lead opportunities as business expectations remain divided

Smaller development teams were selected as the biggest opportunity by 37% of respondents, ahead of new publishing models and community building at 15% each.

There is less agreement on which business model will dominate. Digital and physical premium games rank first at 29%, followed by live service at 24% and free-to-play with in-game items at 21%.

Economic uncertainty remains the leading challenge

Economic uncertainty received the most responses with 54, followed by market saturation with 38, discoverability with 35, and increasing development costs with 30. Multiple answers were possible.

When asked how discoverability could be improved, 32% selected more transparent platform algorithms, followed by better storefront recommendations at 22% and more curated editorial features at 21%.

Survey topics reflected across gamescom dev

The survey reflects many of the subjects explored throughout gamescom dev 2026, including AI in gameplay and production, leadership, team structures, studio strategy, business models, community building and discoverability.

Across keynote sessions, co-curated tracks, specialist talks, panels and formats including the gamescom dev leadership summit, the conference creates space to understand current developments, learn from practical experiences and exchange perspectives on possible ways forward for the industry.