Gamescom has publicly acknowledged that its first response to the wave of thefts reported during this year’s exhibition fell short of the tone and compassion that the affected parties deserved. In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the organizers admitted that the initial wording "did not strike the right tone" and failed to "show the people affected the empathy they deserve." They went on to say that the criticism they received for that early communication was "justified" and that they now understand the depth of the problem.
The apology emphasized that the loss of stolen equipment goes far beyond a simple material setback. "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 statement read. By acknowledging the emotional and financial toll, Gamescom pledged to be more transparent and supportive from the moment an incident is reported.
"To everyone affected: we understand what this has cost you, and we should have said so from the very first moment," the organizers wrote. When the thefts first came to light, Gamescom issued a brief notice 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." The notice also highlighted the existing security protocols, noting that "our security measures are designed to minimise such risks as effectively as possible." It reminded exhibitors that they could "book individual stand security separately" and that they were advised to insure their equipment against potential loss.
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 with representatives from shared indie booths. The goal of the round‑table is to "develop concrete measures together" and to ensure that future iterations of the show incorporate stronger safeguards tailored to the unique needs of smaller developers.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for clarification on several points, including the total number of theft incidents, the possibility of compensation for victims, and the specifics of the security framework that was in place. The organizers directed the outlet back to their earlier statements, indicating that a detailed response would be part of the forthcoming review.
Multiple developers came forward to describe the personal impact of the thefts. Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were taken, calling the event a "huge blow financially and mentally." Laley’s loss included not only expensive hardware but also months of development work, source code, and proprietary assets that could not be easily recreated.
In response, industry heavyweights such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware offered to send replacement equipment to Laley, a gesture that Gamescom thanked them for publicly. The organizers stressed 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," they wrote. They reaffirmed their commitment to a joint review and to implementing stronger security measures moving forward. Another victim, the retro‑gaming retailer Iam8bit, reported that two laptops used for live game demos were stolen despite the presence of Koelnmesse security personnel.
The company expressed deep disappointment, noting that the stolen devices were essential for showcasing new titles and that their loss disrupted the work of Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, the development teams that had prepared the demos. Tessera Studios, the creators of "The Zibbo Show," also suffered a breach. Their exhibition 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 the demo build intended for the show but also personal data, company‑confidential information, and critical development files. The incident underscored how a single act of theft can jeopardize both public presentations and internal operations.
Gamescom urged any exhibitor who experienced a theft to report the incident promptly to both the event organizers and local law enforcement. They provided a dedicated email address—sales@gamescom.de—for affected parties to seek assistance, file reports, and begin the process of documenting losses. Looking ahead, the post‑event security review will focus on several key areas: improving on‑site surveillance, offering optional, on‑demand security guards for individual booths, and creating a streamlined incident‑reporting system that allows exhibitors to receive rapid support. The round‑table with indie exhibitors will also explore insurance options, best practices for equipment storage, and potential technological solutions such as RFID tagging of high‑value assets.
The broader industry reaction has been mixed. While many applauded Gamescom’s willingness to admit fault and to engage directly with the indie community, some critics argue that the event’s security plan was already known to be insufficient for a gathering of this magnitude.
They point out that large trade shows have historically faced similar challenges, but that proactive measures—such as mandatory security patrols for all booths and real‑time monitoring of entry points—could have mitigated the risk. In summary, Gamescom’s recent apology marks a significant step toward rebuilding trust with its exhibitor base, particularly the smaller studios that rely on the fair to reach new audiences.
By acknowledging the emotional and financial impact of the thefts, committing to a thorough security audit, and inviting collaborative input from affected parties, the organizers hope to prevent a repeat of this year’s unfortunate incidents and to ensure that future editions of the show are safer, more supportive, and more inclusive for all participants.