Gamescom has publicly acknowledged that its first statement regarding the series of hardware thefts at this year’s exhibition fell short of the appropriate tone and failed to convey the compassion owed to those affected. In a follow‑up post on its official social channels, the event’s management admitted that the initial communication was inadequate and that the criticism it received was justified.
"We have been heavily criticised for the way we addressed the theft of equipment belonging to several independent developers," the organizers wrote. "That criticism is warranted." The statement went on to underline that a theft of this nature is far more than a simple loss of material assets. It can effectively ruin a creator’s entire Gamescom experience and, for small studios, may jeopardise work that has taken months or even years to develop.
"To everyone who was impacted: we understand the cost to you, both financially and emotionally, and we should have expressed that empathy from the very first moment," the apology continued. Earlier in the week, Gamescom had issued a brief notice acknowledging that stolen hardware had been reported at the show. That initial wording emphasized the scale of the event, noting that "in an event of this size there will always be individuals trying to exploit the situation" and that the organizers’ security protocols were designed to "minimise such risks as effectively as possible." The message also referenced the venue’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 response to the backlash, Gamescom’s leadership announced a comprehensive post‑event review.
This review will include a dedicated assessment of security measures specifically for indie exhibitors, and the organizers plan to convene a round‑table discussion with representatives from shared indie booths to develop concrete, mutually‑agreed security enhancements. GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details on the number of incidents reported, possible compensation for victims, and the overall effectiveness of the security strategy. The outlet was directed back to the organization’s earlier statements, which offered limited additional information. Multiple developers shared their experiences of theft in both the business and indie sections of the fair.
Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were stolen, describing the episode as "a huge blow financially and mentally." In the wake of his loss, industry heavyweights such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware stepped forward, offering to supply replacement equipment. Gamescom thanked these companies for their support, noting that while such gestures are helpful, they do not absolve the organizers of their responsibility to provide a safe environment. "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 read. "We are therefore committed to jointly reviewing and further improving security." The company Iam8bit also fell victim to theft, reporting that two laptops intended for game demonstrations were taken despite the presence of Koelnmesse security personnel.
"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," the firm said. Tessera Studios, the creators behind *The Zibbo Show*, experienced a forced‑open cabinet that resulted in the loss of two laptops and a Steam Deck. The studio emphasized that the stolen devices contained not only their Gamescom demo builds but also personal data, company records, and other critical information.
Gamescom urged any exhibitor who suffered a theft to file a report with both the event organizers and local police authorities, and provided a dedicated email address (sales@gamescom.de) for follow‑up communication. The organizers also indicated that they would be reviewing insurance options and potentially revising their security‑booking procedures to make stand‑level protection more accessible and affordable for smaller participants. Looking ahead, Gamescom plans to implement several concrete actions based on the findings of its security review. These include increasing the visible presence of security staff on the exhibition floor, installing additional surveillance cameras in high‑traffic zones, and offering a streamlined, subsidised security‑booking service for indie booths.
The round‑table with indie exhibitors will focus on sharing best practices, establishing clear protocols for reporting suspicious activity, and creating a rapid‑response team that can intervene when a theft is suspected. The broader industry reaction has been one of both concern and solidarity. While many developers expressed disappointment that such incidents occurred at a premier European gaming showcase, they also praised the swift response from larger studios and hardware manufacturers willing to replace stolen gear.
The episode has sparked a wider conversation about the vulnerabilities faced by small developers at large conventions and the need for more robust, inclusive security solutions that do not place the entire burden on exhibitors. In summary, Gamescom’s revised stance acknowledges that its initial communication lacked the empathy and urgency required by those who suffered losses.
By launching a thorough security review, engaging directly with indie participants, and committing to tangible improvements, the organizers aim to restore confidence among exhibitors and ensure that future editions of the show provide a safer, more supportive environment for all creators.