Gamescom has publicly expressed remorse for the way it initially addressed the series of thefts that took place at this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first response "did not strike the right tone" and failed to convey the level of compassion that the affected parties deserved. In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the organizers acknowledged that they had been heavily criticised for the wording and timing of their early statements regarding the loss of equipment belonging to a number of independent developers, and they conceded that the criticism was well‑founded. "A theft of this nature is far more than a simple material loss," the statement continued.
"It can ruin an entire Gamescom experience for the people it happens to, and it can destroy work that took months or even years to create – 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 original communication from Gamescom had noted that the organizers were aware that some hardware had been taken, and they had framed the incident as an inevitable risk at an event of such magnitude. The message read: "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 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 the wake of the backlash, Gamescom announced that it would undertake a comprehensive post‑event review, with a particular focus on the safety of indie exhibitors. A "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors" will be conducted, and the organizers plan to convene a round‑table discussion with representatives from shared indie booths to "develop concrete measures together." This collaborative approach is intended to identify gaps in the current security framework and to propose practical solutions that can be implemented in future editions of the show. GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details on the number of reported thefts, any potential compensation schemes, and the overall effectiveness of the security protocols that were in place.
The outlet was redirected to the organization’s earlier public statements, which have now been supplemented by the new apology and the promise of a security overhaul. Several developers have spoken publicly about the impact of the thefts.
Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were stolen during the event. He described the incident as "a huge blow financially and mentally," noting that the loss of hardware also meant the loss of source code, assets, and months of development work that could not be easily reconstructed. In response, industry heavyweights such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware offered to provide replacement equipment for Laley, a gesture that Gamescom’s organizers thanked publicly.
The apology also emphasized that external assistance does not absolve the event organizers of their own duty. "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." Another affected exhibitor, Iam8bit, reported that two laptops used for live game demos were taken despite the presence of Koelnmesse security personnel.
The company said the theft 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." The loss of demo hardware not only disrupted their planned showcase but also required a rapid re‑allocation of resources to keep their booth functional. Tessera Studios, the creators behind The Zibbo Show, experienced a forced entry into their exhibition cabinet, resulting in the theft of two laptops and a Steam Deck. The studio highlighted that the stolen devices contained not only the demo build intended for Gamescom visitors, but also personal data, confidential company information, and other critical assets. "The devices contained not only our Gamescom demo, but also personal, company, and critical information," a Tessera spokesperson explained.
In light of these incidents, Gamescom has urged any exhibitor who believes they have been a victim of theft to report the matter both to the event organizers and to local law enforcement. A dedicated email address (sales@gamescom.de) has been provided for affected parties to make contact and begin the process of documentation and potential restitution. The broader industry reaction underscores a growing concern about the security of trade‑show environments, especially for smaller developers who may lack the resources to insure every piece of equipment. While the event’s scale and the presence of professional security teams suggest a high baseline of protection, the recent thefts reveal that vulnerabilities still exist, particularly in shared or open‑access areas where indie booths are often located.
Going forward, Gamescom has pledged to incorporate the feedback from the upcoming round‑table discussions into a revised security protocol. This may include increased on‑site security personnel, mandatory security audits for all booths, and possibly a subsidised insurance scheme for indie participants. The organizers also hinted at the possibility of implementing RFID tagging for high‑value equipment and real‑time monitoring of booth access points.
The apology and the subsequent security commitments aim to restore confidence among exhibitors and reassure the gaming community that Gamescom remains a safe and supportive platform for showcasing innovation. By acknowledging the shortcomings of its initial response and taking concrete steps to address them, the event hopes to prevent similar incidents in future editions and to demonstrate that it values the hard work and creative output of every participant, regardless of size.