Gamescom has publicly expressed remorse for the way it initially handled reports of equipment thefts during this year’s convention, admitting that its first statements "did not strike the right tone" and failed to convey the level of empathy that the victims deserved. In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the event’s organizers acknowledged the widespread criticism and accepted responsibility for the missteps. "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 that a theft of this nature is far more than a simple loss of material goods. "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." In its original communication, Gamescom had merely noted that it was aware of stolen hardware and that, given the scale of the event, "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 earlier notice 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." Following the backlash, the organizers announced a comprehensive post‑event review. This will include a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors" and the convening of a round‑table discussion for shared indie booths, with the aim of "developing concrete measures together." The intent is to create clearer guidelines, improve on‑site protection, and ensure that smaller developers receive the same level of support as larger partners.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details on the number of incidents reported, the possibility of compensation, and the overall security framework in place. The outlet was directed back to the organization’s previous public statements, which have now been supplemented by the new apology and the promise of a more thorough security audit.
Multiple developers shared their experiences of theft across both the business and indie sections of the exhibition. Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were taken, describing the episode as "a huge blow financially and mentally." The loss not only represented a significant monetary setback but also jeopardised months of development work, source code, and confidential project data.
In response, several industry players, including CD Projekt Red and Alienware, offered to supply replacement equipment for Laley. Gamescom thanked these companies for their generosity and reiterated that external assistance does not absolve the organizers of their own duty to safeguard exhibitors.
"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 personnel.
The company expressed disappointment, noting that the stolen devices belonged to Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, teams that had invested extensive time and resources into preparing their showcase. Tessera Studios, the creators of The Zibbo Show, also fell victim to a breach when their demonstration 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 warned, highlighting the broader risk of data exposure that accompanies physical theft. In light of these incidents, Gamescom urged any exhibitor who experienced a loss to report the theft both to the event organizers and to local law enforcement.
A dedicated email address (sales@gamescom.de) was provided for direct communication, and the organizers pledged to cooperate fully with police investigations. Looking forward, Gamescom has outlined several concrete steps it intends to implement.
These include: expanding the number of on‑site security staff, offering subsidized or complimentary security kits for indie booths, introducing mandatory registration of high‑value equipment with the venue’s security team, and creating a rapid‑response protocol for reporting and addressing thefts in real time. The organizers also plan to work closely with insurance providers to simplify the claims process for affected exhibitors, particularly those from smaller studios that may lack comprehensive coverage.
The broader industry reaction has been mixed. While many applaud Gamescom’s willingness to admit fault and propose actionable improvements, some critics argue that the measures come after the damage has already been done and call for stricter accountability standards for future conventions. Nonetheless, the episode has sparked a larger conversation about the responsibilities of large trade shows to protect independent creators, whose work often hinges on a few pieces of hardware and a substantial amount of intellectual property. In summary, Gamescom’s apology acknowledges that its early communications fell short of the empathy and clarity required by the affected developers.
By launching a thorough security review, engaging directly with indie exhibitors, and outlining a suite of enhanced protective measures, the organization aims to rebuild trust and ensure that future editions of the event provide a safer, more supportive environment for all participants.