gamescom dev 2026: First Speakers and Scholarship Program

The organisers of gamescom dev 2026 have announced the first programme details for their major conference in August. The first speakers have been confirmed, and more participants are listed on the website.

• Clues and Camping in "Ghost of Yōtei": Curating Guided Exploration Through a Non-Linear Open World by Samuel Holley, Lead Gameplay Engineer and Designer Sucker Punch Productions
• Side-Stepping Into (or out of) Game Dev by Yiyi Zhang, Director, Founder Women in Games NYC, Gumbo Collective & Jyro Blade, Co-Founder / Head of Games, blAng Productions, Moku
• "South of Midnight": My Tales and Takeaways by Mike Jungbluth, Animation & Realization Director, Compulsion Games
• Bringing Mayhem to ARAM: Effective R&D Processes for Game Modes by Noor Amin, Senior Game Designer, Riot Games

gamescom dev and gamescom offer a scholarship programme for game developers who are unable to attend our events independently due to financial, structural or personal barriers. Following the success of the 2024 and 2025 editions, which saw over 400 scholars and more than 40 international partners take part, the programme continues to strengthen our commitment to accessibility, community, and industry development. Applications are now open for partners to join the scholarship programme.

Who can apply? (according to gamescom dev and gamescom)

• "Associations: Support the scholarship program with an application & selection process for your members and affiliated communities.
• Organizations & Networks: Support the scholarship program with an application & selection process for your communities and/or promote relevant application forms of partners.
• Universities: Support the scholarship program with an application & selection process for your students.
• Sponsors & Companies: Support the scholarship program by providing funds, mentoring and/or visibility."

gamescom dev itself will take place from 23 to 25 August, kicking off with a networking reception for speakers and VIPs on Sunday. The actual conference programme will then begin on 24 August.