Gamescom has publicly expressed regret for the way it initially handled reports of stolen equipment at this year’s showcase, admitting that its first response "did not strike the right tone" and failed to "show the people affected the empathy they deserve." In a follow‑up post on its official social channels, the organizers acknowledged the criticism they received and said it 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 stress that a theft of this nature is far more than a simple material loss.
"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." When the incident first broke, Gamescom’s communication was relatively terse.
The event’s spokesperson said the organizers were aware that 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 statement also pointed readers toward 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 the wake of the backlash, Gamescom announced a comprehensive post‑event review.
This review will include a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors" and a round‑table discussion for shared indie booths, during which concrete security improvements will be co‑created with the affected parties. The goal, according to the organizers, is to develop a set of practical measures that can prevent a repeat of the current situation.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for further details about the number of incidents reported, the possibility of compensation, and the overall security strategy that was in place. The outlet was directed back to the statements already released by the event, which have so far provided only broad outlines rather than specific figures or actionable next steps. Multiple developers came forward to describe the personal and professional toll of the thefts.
Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, said that all of his laptops were taken, calling the experience "a huge blow financially and mentally." The loss of hardware meant not only the disappearance of expensive equipment but also the loss of source code, project files, and months of development work that could not be easily reconstructed. In response, industry heavyweights such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware offered to supply replacement machines, a gesture that Gamescom publicly thanked. 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 party, Iam8bit, reported that two laptops used for live game demos were stolen despite the presence of Koelnmesse security personnel. The company, which works closely with Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, described the theft as "hugely disappointing for us and our development teams, who worked tirelessly to prepare for this show." Tessera Studios, the creators of The Zibbo Show, experienced a forced opening of their exhibition cabinet, resulting in the loss of two laptops and a Steam Deck.
Their spokesperson warned that the stolen devices contained not only the demo build intended for the fair but also a wealth of personal data, company records, and other critical information that could not be simply replaced. Gamescom has urged any exhibitor who suffered a theft to file a report both with the event’s organizing team and with local police authorities. They provided a dedicated email address—sales@gamescom.de—for victims to share details and seek assistance.
The organizers also indicated that they would work closely with law enforcement to investigate the incidents and to identify any patterns that might inform future security protocols. Beyond the immediate apology, Gamescom outlined several concrete steps it plans to implement moving forward. These include: increasing the visibility and patrol frequency of on‑site security staff; offering subsidised or complimentary stand‑level security kits for indie booths; establishing a rapid‑response reporting channel that can be accessed via a mobile app during the event; and creating a secure storage facility where exhibitors can temporarily house high‑value equipment.
The round‑table discussions slated for the next edition of the fair will be open to all indie participants, giving them a direct voice in shaping the new security framework. Industry observers note that the incident highlights a broader challenge for large trade shows, where the sheer volume of exhibitors and visitors can strain even well‑funded security operations.
Smaller studios, in particular, often lack the resources to purchase comprehensive insurance or to hire private security, making them vulnerable when a breach occurs. By acknowledging these systemic issues and committing to collaborative solutions, Gamescom hopes to restore confidence among its most vulnerable participants. In summary, Gamescom’s revised stance acknowledges that its earlier communication fell short of the empathy and transparency that affected developers deserved. The organization has pledged a thorough review, expanded security measures, and a more open dialogue with indie exhibitors to ensure that future editions of the fair are safer and more supportive for all participants.