Passion, People, and Perspective at Devcom / Gamescom 2025
Why this year wasn’t about deals, but about rediscovering what makes games so special.
I just got back from Cologne after spending the week at Devcom and Gamescom 2025, where I also gave a talk on our growth journey with BattleTabs. It wasn’t just about presenting — for me, this trip was about reconnecting with the games industry, the community, and my own passion for why I started building games in the first place.
Why I Went
Running a gaming startup can be an incredible journey, but it can also chip away at your passion. Games have been a big part of my childhood and my career, but when you’re grinding at your own company, so much of your time is spent on things that aren’t actually about making or playing games — fundraising, operations, everything else. Earlier this year, I was feeling burned out. I decided to make this trip about resetting my mindset.
What I Found There
The highlight was spending time with other developers — hearing about their projects, their struggles, and their creativity. It was energizing to be reminded of the sheer variety of paths people are taking: some doubling down on publishing, others experimenting with tech, and many exploring AI, UGC, and new business models.
I also met up with investors and partners, but honestly, the most valuable moments came from the informal conversations — the chats over coffee, dinners, and in-between sessions. Devcom, in particular, had this supportive, creative atmosphere that really reminded me why I love this industry. Gamescom was, as always, loud and chaotic, but the scale and energy were still infectious.
What I Took Away
Energy: I came back feeling recharged, which is exactly what I needed.
Perspective: It helped me zoom out from the grind of our own roadmap and see the bigger picture.
Community: This industry isn’t just about making deals. It’s about people, and being part of that community matters.
Closing Thoughts
This trip reminded me why I love games — not just as a business, but as a craft and a culture. It doesn’t make the grind of running a startup disappear, but it does give me a renewed sense of purpose as we push forward.
Sometimes the best outcome from a conference isn’t a partnership or an opportunity — it’s simply leaving with your passion rekindled.
