Gamescom has publicly acknowledged that its first statement concerning the recent thefts of equipment at the show fell short of the tone and compassion that the affected parties deserved. In a follow‑up post on its official social‑media channels, the event’s organizers admitted that the initial communication "did not strike the right tone" and failed to "show the people affected the empathy they deserve." The apology began with a candid admission that the company had been the target of considerable criticism for the way it handled the announcement of the stolen hardware belonging to several independent developers. "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, adding that "that criticism is justified." The organizers then emphasized the broader ramifications of such thefts, noting that the loss extends far beyond the physical value of the stolen items.
"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," the message continued. To the victims, Gamescom said, "we understand what this has cost you, and we should have said so from the very first moment." Earlier in the week, Gamescom had issued a more procedural notice, acknowledging that stolen hardware had been reported and reminding 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." That earlier release also referenced the exhibition's "general security regulations" and suggested that exhibitors could "book individual stand security separately" and were "advised to insure equipment against theft." In response to the backlash, the organizers announced a comprehensive post‑event review. The review will include a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors" and a round‑table discussion specifically for shared indie booths, with the aim of "developing concrete measures together." This collaborative approach is intended to address the unique vulnerabilities that smaller studios face when presenting at a massive trade show. GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details on the number of incidents reported, possible compensation for the victims, and the overall security framework that was in place.
The outlet was directed back to the statements already released by the organizers, which did not provide a precise tally of stolen items but confirmed that multiple incidents had occurred across both the business and indie sections of the exhibition. Among the affected parties, indie developer Ryan Laley of Mimic described the loss of all his laptops as "a huge blow financially and mentally." His equipment, which contained months of work and proprietary code, vanished during the show, leaving him to scramble for replacements. In a show of solidarity, major industry players such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware offered to send replacement hardware to Laley.
Gamescom thanked these companies for their assistance, noting that the support underscored the community spirit that often emerges after such setbacks. The organizers stressed that external help 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 asserted. "We are therefore committed to jointly reviewing and further improving security." Another exhibitor, Iam8bit, reported that two laptops used for live game demos were stolen despite the presence of Koelnmesse security personnel.
The company expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the effort put in by Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games to prepare the demos. "This is hugely disappointing for us and our development teams," the statement read. Tessera Studios, the creators of The Zibbo Show, also fell victim to a breach when their display cabinet was forced open, resulting in the theft of two laptops and a Steam Deck.
The studio warned that the stolen devices contained not only their Gamescom demo but also personal data, company records, and other critical information, highlighting the potential for further fallout beyond the immediate loss of hardware. In light of these incidents, Gamescom urged any exhibitor who experiences theft to report the crime both to the event organizers and to local law enforcement.
A dedicated email address, sales@gamescom.de, was provided for affected parties to make contact and begin the process of documentation and possible restitution. Looking forward, Gamescom has pledged to strengthen its security protocols. The upcoming security review will examine existing measures such as on‑site patrols, CCTV coverage, and the feasibility of offering dedicated security personnel for individual stands, especially for indie developers who may lack the resources to purchase additional protection.
The round‑table discussions will give smaller studios a platform to voice concerns and propose practical solutions, such as secure storage lockers, stricter access controls for shared booths, and clearer guidelines on insurance requirements. The incident serves as a reminder that large industry gatherings, while valuable for networking and showcasing new titles, also present opportunities for opportunistic crime. By acknowledging its missteps, extending a heartfelt apology, and committing to concrete improvements, Gamescom hopes to rebuild trust with the indie community and ensure that future editions of the show are safer and more supportive for all participants.