Gamescom has publicly expressed regret for the way it initially addressed the series of thefts reported at this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first response "did not strike the right tone" and failed to convey the empathy that the victims deserved. In a post on its official social‑media channels, the organizers acknowledged the backlash and said the criticism 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 event’s apology went on to stress that the loss of equipment is far more than a simple material setback. "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 organizers wrote. Earlier in the week, Gamescom had issued a brief notice acknowledging that stolen hardware had been reported, but the wording focused on the scale of the event rather than the personal impact on exhibitors. The original message said: "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." It also referenced the fair’s "general security regulations" and reminded participants 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 carry out a comprehensive post‑event review, which includes a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors." The organizers plan to convene a round‑table discussion with representatives of shared indie booths to "develop concrete measures together," aiming to tighten protection for smaller developers who are often the most vulnerable.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details about the number of incidents, any compensation that might be offered, and the overall security framework in place. The publication was directed back to the statements already released, indicating that no new information has been disclosed at this time. Multiple developers came forward to describe the personal and professional toll of the thefts. Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were taken, calling the experience "a huge blow financially and mentally." The loss not only stripped him of expensive hardware but also of weeks of work, source code, and demo builds that were essential for his Gamescom showcase.
In a show of solidarity, CD Projekt Red, Alienware, and several other industry players offered to provide replacement equipment to Laley, a gesture that Gamescom thanked publicly. The organizers emphasized 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 game demos were stolen despite the presence of Koelnmesse security personnel.
The company said the incident was "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 devices contained not only our Gamescom demo, but also personal, company, and critical information," the studio explained, underscoring how the theft extended beyond hardware to potentially sensitive data.
Gamescom has urged any exhibitor who experienced a theft to file a report with both the event organizers and local police authorities, and to reach out via the dedicated email address sales@gamescom.de for further assistance. The call to action is part of the broader effort to gather accurate incident data, which will feed into the upcoming security review. Looking ahead, the organizers say they will explore several concrete steps: increasing on‑site security patrols, offering subsidized stand‑level security packages for indie booths, enhancing CCTV coverage in high‑traffic zones, and providing a streamlined process for exhibitors to claim insurance or receive compensation where appropriate.
They also intend to create a clear, publicly available protocol that outlines how theft reports are handled, ensuring faster response times and better communication with affected developers. Industry observers note that the incident highlights a persistent challenge for large trade shows: balancing the open, collaborative atmosphere that encourages networking and demoing with the need for robust protection of valuable intellectual property. Smaller studios, which often rely on a single set of laptops or demo rigs to showcase months of development, are particularly at risk. By addressing these concerns head‑on, Gamescom hopes to restore confidence among indie participants and demonstrate that the event is committed to learning from its mistakes.
In summary, Gamescom’s apology acknowledges both the emotional and financial damage caused by the thefts, admits that its early messaging fell short, and pledges a series of concrete security enhancements. The organizers have invited affected parties to contact them directly, promised a thorough review, and signaled a willingness to collaborate with the indie community to prevent similar incidents in future editions of the fair.