# Game devs focus on AI, smaller teams and leadership | Gamescom Dev survey > Source: > Published: 2026-08-11 13:15:00+00:00 *Become a member of GB MAX to gain exclusive access to the industry and to the most influential global B2B leadership community in the business of gaming, entertainment, and tech.* [Join now](https://go.gamesbeat.com/gb-max/)and also get a VIP ticket to GamesBeat Next (Nov 2-3, SF).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](https://dev.gamescom.global) (formerly Devcom) conference, offers a snapshot of current industry sentiment ahead of the event, taking place from August 23 to August 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. About 36% of the speakers surveyed 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 and production, while 30% would prefer as little AI involvement in game development as possible. The result remains broadly consistent with [the 2025 survey](https://renaissancepr-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2lrsOQasph5yVDPxN3XyhvXq1EfIFZA7bhmWMf-k89wRDk-7rnwGddDal-6nnVVeiCGCk8vvfiFvWGb01ehZZX4tnvZhMs3U5ACFNnsbHV1kX-qABBA8S3ZuSjiFYEzY78vb5LR6MjTYQ-mmAMdnfLaVkyDkr0pcoU5wL40RTtg7EFDn9OHDRG2idJw). **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. **Speaker survey 2026 – Full results** **What is currently the biggest challenge facing the games industry?** Economic uncertainty received the most responses with 54, followed by market saturation with 38, discoverability with 35, and increasing development costs with 30. Adapting to new technologies received 16 responses, talent acquisition and retention seven, monetization four, and other answers twelve. Multiple answers were possible. **Which industry development will have the biggest impact over the next three years?** 47% selected AI-assisted development. Hardware and RAM prices ranked second at 28%, followed by the creator economy at 7%, user-generated content at 5%, cross-platform ecosystems and new hardware platforms or generations at 4% each, cloud gaming at 1%, and other answers at 4%. **What represents the biggest opportunity for game developers over the next three years?** Smaller development teams ranked first at 37%. New publishing models and community building received 15% each, followed by new technologies at 13%, emerging markets at 11%, cross-platform audiences at 6%, and other answers at 3%. **Which business or monetization model will dominate the games market over the next three years?** Digital and physical premium games ranked first at 29%, followed by live service at 24% and free-to-play with in-game items at 21%. Community-funded models received 10%, free-to-play with advertising 6%, subscriptions 5%, and other answers 5%. **Where do you currently see the most value of AI in game development?** Code & Production ranked first at 34%, while 30% would like to see as little AI involvement in game development as possible. Management & Administration followed at 12%, QA & Testing and other answers at 7% each, Art & Animation at 4%, Localization at 3%, Marketing & Communication at 2%, and Narrative Design at 1%. **Will AI reduce development team sizes over the next three years?** 36% believe AI will change roles rather than reduce teams, while 33% expect it to reduce team sizes. A further 14% believe it will increase output per person, and 17% do not expect it to reduce teams. **How do you personally discover most new games?** Friends and communities received the most responses with 68, followed by social media with 46, gaming media with 41, and video and streaming platforms with 32. Digital showcases received 26 responses, digital storefronts 25, events such as gamescom 21, and other answers two. Multiple answers were possible. **Which change would most improve game discoverability today?** More transparent platform algorithms ranked first at 32%, followed by better storefront recommendations at 22%, more curated editorial features at 21%, and greater visibility through creators and influencers at 19%. More industry events and showcases and other answers received 3% each. **What skill will become most sought after in game development?** Leadership ranked first at 27%, followed by technical programming at 19%, Art & Design at 12%, and AI literacy and other answers at 11% each. Community management received 10%, while Production and Narrative received 5% each. Gamescom Dev is Europe’s leading game developer event, the official developer conference of [gamescom](https://www.gamescom.global/de), and one of the most important global platforms for developers, publishers, and industry professionals. Throughout the year, gamescom dev provides a space for meaningful exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaboration — always guided by the values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. gamescom dev and all its branded formats are developed and organized by [game events GmbH](https://game-events.global/home-en/), a subsidiary of [Game – the German Games Industry Association](https://www.game.de/en/).