Gamescom has publicly expressed regret for the way it initially handled reports of equipment thefts at this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first response "did not strike the right tone" and failed to convey the empathy that the affected parties deserved. In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the organizers acknowledged the criticism they had received and described it as "justified." The statement began by noting the depth of the problem: "A theft of this nature is far more than a material loss.
It can ruin an entire Gamescom experience for those involved and can destroy work that has taken months or even years to create – work that, for a small studio, can represent almost everything." The organizers then addressed the victims directly, saying, "To everyone affected: we understand what this has cost you, and we should have said so from the very first moment." When the incident first came to light, Gamescom’s communication was limited to a brief acknowledgment that stolen hardware had been reported. The initial wording emphasized the scale of the event, stating, "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 message also referenced the fair’s "general security regulations" and reminded exhibitors that "individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft." Since then, the fair’s management has launched a comprehensive post‑event review. This includes a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors" and the organization of a round‑table discussion specifically for shared indie booths, with the goal of "developing concrete measures together." The intention is to move beyond generic advice and create actionable protocols that address the unique vulnerabilities of smaller developers who often cannot afford extensive security arrangements.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details on the number of incidents reported, any compensation plans, and the overall security strategy that was in place. The publication was directed back to the statements already released, indicating that the organizers are still in the process of compiling a full report. Multiple developers have spoken out about the thefts that occurred in both the business and indie sections of the show.
Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, said that all of his laptops were taken, describing the loss as "a huge blow financially and mentally." The theft not only stripped him of expensive hardware but also of the data and prototypes stored on those devices, which represented countless hours of development work. In response, several industry heavyweights, including CD Projekt Red and Alienware, offered to provide replacement equipment for Laley.
Gamescom’s organizers thanked these companies for their generosity, noting that while such gestures are helpful, they do not absolve the fair of its own responsibility to safeguard exhibitors’ assets. The organizers added, "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. We are therefore committed to jointly reviewing and further improving security." Another affected participant, Iam8bit, reported that two laptops used for live game demos were stolen despite the presence of Koelnmesse security staff.
The company expressed disappointment, stating, "This is hugely disappointing for us and our development teams at Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, who worked tirelessly to prepare for this show." Tessera Studios, the creators of 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 their Gamescom demo but also personal, company, and critical information, underscoring the broader risk of data loss beyond the immediate hardware value. Gamescom has urged any exhibitor who experienced theft to file a report with both the event organizers and local police, and to reach out via email at sales@gamescom.de for further assistance.
The organizers have pledged to keep the lines of communication open and to consider compensation or support measures where appropriate. Looking ahead, the fair’s leadership says the upcoming security review will examine several key areas: the adequacy of on‑site security personnel, the feasibility of mandatory stand‑level insurance, the possibility of offering subsidized security kits for indie booths, and the implementation of a real‑time incident‑reporting system that allows exhibitors to alert organizers instantly. They also plan to collaborate with industry associations to develop best‑practice guidelines that can be shared across future events. In summary, Gamescom’s apology marks a shift from a defensive stance to a more empathetic and proactive approach.
By acknowledging the emotional and financial toll on developers, inviting collaborative security planning, and promising concrete improvements, the organizers hope to restore confidence among exhibitors and ensure that future editions of the show provide a safer, more supportive environment for creators of all sizes.