Gamescom has publicly expressed remorse for the way it initially handled the reports of equipment thefts that occurred during this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first response "did not strike the right tone" and failed to "show the people affected the empathy they deserve." In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the organisers acknowledged the criticism they received and conceded that the backlash was justified. "We have received a great deal of criticism for the way we communicated about the theft of hardware belonging to several indie developers," the statement read.
"That criticism is justified." The apology went on to underline the deeper ramifications of such incidents. "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." Earlier, Gamescom had issued a more generic notice acknowledging that stolen equipment had been reported.
The original wording emphasized the scale of the event and the inevitability of opportunistic individuals: "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 statement 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." In light of the backlash, the organisers announced a comprehensive post‑event review. This will include a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors" and the formation of a round‑table discussion involving the owners of shared indie booths. The aim of the round‑table, according to Gamescom, is to "develop concrete measures together" that will better protect small developers and their valuable assets in future editions of the show.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for clarification on several points, including the total number of theft incidents reported, the possibility of compensation for the victims, and the overall effectiveness of the security protocols that were in place. The publication was directed back to the public statements already released by the fair, which have now been supplemented by the more detailed apology. A number of developers have spoken out about the impact of the thefts. Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, revealed that all of his laptops were taken during the event.
He described the loss as "a huge blow financially and mentally," noting that the stolen machines contained not only prototype builds but also sensitive business data. In response, industry heavyweights such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware offered to replace the missing equipment, a gesture that Gamescom thanked publicly.
The organisers stressed that external assistance does not absolve them of responsibility. "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 statement continued.
"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, which works closely with Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, called the incident "hugely disappointing" for the development teams who had invested countless hours preparing the showcase. Tessera Studios, the creator of The Zibbo Show, suffered a forced‑open cabinet that resulted in the loss of two laptops and a Steam Deck. Their spokesperson explained that the stolen devices held not only the demo version intended for Gamescom visitors but also a wealth of personal, corporate, and critical information that could not be easily recreated.
In its final remarks, Gamescom urged any exhibitor who experienced a theft to file a report with both the event’s management and local police authorities. The organisers also provided a direct contact email—sales@gamescom.de—for victims seeking assistance or further information.
Looking ahead, Gamescom has pledged to overhaul its security framework. The upcoming review will examine the adequacy of current surveillance, the allocation of on‑site security personnel, and the feasibility of offering mandatory, rather than optional, stand‑level protection for indie participants. Organisers are also exploring partnerships with technology firms to deploy advanced anti‑theft solutions such as RFID tagging, real‑time asset tracking, and enhanced access controls for shared booth areas. The broader industry reaction has been one of cautious optimism.
While many applaud the fair’s willingness to admit fault and to engage directly with affected developers, some observers argue that the real test will be the concrete steps taken before the next edition of Gamescom. For small studios, the stakes are high: a single stolen laptop can mean the loss of months of development, potential revenue, and even the morale of an entire team.
By listening to these concerns and implementing robust safeguards, Gamescom hopes to restore confidence among its most vulnerable participants and to demonstrate that it can provide a secure platform for showcasing creativity and innovation.