Gamescom has publicly expressed remorse for the way it initially addressed the series of thefts that occurred during this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first statements "did not strike the right tone" and failed to convey the level of empathy that the victims deserved. In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the event’s management acknowledged the backlash and pledged to take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"We have received a great deal of criticism for the way we communicated about the theft of hardware belonging to several indie developers," the organisers wrote. "That criticism is justified." They went on to explain that a theft of this nature is far more than a simple loss of equipment. "A theft like this is far more than a material loss.
It can ruin an entire Gamescom for the people it happens to, and it can destroy work that took months or years to build – work that, for a small studio, can be almost everything. To everyone affected: we understand what this has cost you, and we should have said so from the very first moment." The original statement from Gamescom had been relatively terse. It noted that the organizers were aware that some hardware had been taken and reminded attendees that "at an event of this size, there will always be individuals attempting to take advantage of the situation. Our security measures are designed to minimise such risks as effectively as possible." The communication also referenced the venue’s "general security regulations" and suggested that "individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft." In response to the outcry, Gamescom announced that it will conduct a thorough post‑event review, which will include a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors." The plan also involves convening a round‑table discussion with representatives from shared indie booths to "develop concrete measures together." This collaborative approach is intended to identify gaps in the current security framework and to create a more robust protection strategy for future editions of the show.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to the Gamescom team for details on the number of reported incidents, the possibility of compensation, and the overall effectiveness of the security protocols that were in place. The outlet was directed back to the statements already released by the organizers, which emphasized the need for a more empathetic and transparent response.
Multiple developers shared personal accounts of the thefts that took place in both the business and indie sections of the exhibition. Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were stolen, describing the loss as "a huge blow financially and mentally." In a show of industry solidarity, CD Projekt Red, Alienware and several other companies offered to supply replacement equipment for Laley’s lost devices, a gesture that Gamescom’s organizers publicly thanked.
"What it does not do is relieve us, as the organisers, of our own responsibility to work together with our exhibitors and partners to create the best possible environment for everyone," the Gamescom statement continued. "We are therefore committed to jointly reviewing and further improving security." Another affected party, Iam8bit, disclosed that two laptops used for live game demos were taken despite the presence of Koelnmesse security staff. The company expressed disappointment, noting that the stolen machines were essential for showcasing their titles and represented countless hours of preparation by the teams at Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games.
Tessera Studios, the creators behind The Zibbo Show, also suffered a breach when their demo cabinet was forced open, resulting in the theft of two laptops and a Steam Deck. The studio warned that the stolen devices contained not only the Gamescom demo build but also personal data, company files, and other critical information that could not be easily replaced. Gamescom has urged any exhibitor who experienced a theft to file a report both with the event organizers and with local police authorities. They have provided a dedicated email address—sales@gamescom.de—for affected parties to reach out for assistance, documentation, and potential next steps.
Looking forward, the organizers say they will explore several enhancements to their security model. These may include increased on‑site patrols, mandatory security briefings for all exhibitors, optional insurance packages tailored to the needs of indie developers, and the introduction of secure, tamper‑proof storage solutions for high‑value equipment.
They also plan to work more closely with venue security partners to ensure that any gaps identified during the post‑event review are addressed before the next edition of Gamescom. The broader industry reaction has been mixed. While many praised the swift apology and the promise of collaborative security improvements, some critics argue that the incident highlights a systemic issue with how large trade shows protect smaller participants. They suggest that future events should embed security considerations into the exhibition design from the outset, rather than treating them as an afterthought.
In summary, Gamescom’s apology marks an acknowledgement that the initial communication fell short of the empathy and responsibility expected by exhibitors, especially independent studios whose livelihoods can hinge on a single showcase. By committing to a detailed security review, engaging directly with affected parties, and inviting industry partners to co‑design better safeguards, the organizers aim to rebuild trust and ensure that the next Gamescom can be a safe, supportive platform for creators of all sizes.