Gamescom has publicly expressed remorse for the way it initially handled reports of stolen equipment at this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first statements "did not strike the right tone" and failed to "show the people affected the empathy they deserve." In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the event’s management acknowledged that the criticism it received over its early communications was "justified" and that a more compassionate response was required. The organizers explained that the thefts involved hardware belonging to several independent developers, and they emphasized that the loss goes far beyond the monetary value of the devices. "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.
"To everyone affected: we understand what this has cost you, and we should have said so from the very first moment." When the incident first broke, Gamescom issued a brief notice indicating 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 original wording highlighted the event’s security protocols, noting that they are designed to "minimise such risks as effectively as possible" and referencing the exhibition’s "general security regulations." Organizers also reminded exhibitors that "individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft." Following 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 of shared indie booths to "develop concrete measures together." The aim, according to the organizers, is to identify gaps in current procedures and to implement stronger safeguards for future editions of the show. GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for details on the number of incidents reported, any compensation plans, and the overall security framework in place. The publication was directed back to the statements already released by the event, which outlined the general approach but did not provide specific figures on the thefts.
Several developers shared their experiences publicly. Ryan Laley, the founder of the indie studio Mimic, reported that all of his laptops were taken, describing the loss as "a huge blow financially and mentally." The theft not only stripped him of expensive hardware but also of months of work, source code, and personal data stored on the devices.
In response, major industry players such as CD Projekt Red and Alienware offered to send replacement equipment to Laley, a gesture that Gamescom thanked them for in its follow‑up communication. Gamescom stressed that external assistance does not absolve the 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 continued. "We are therefore committed to jointly reviewing and further improving security." Another affected party, 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 crucial for showcasing their titles and for the work of development teams at Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, who had spent extensive time preparing for the show.
Tessera Studios, the creators of The Zibbo Show, also fell victim to a break‑in. Their exhibition cabinet was forced open, resulting in the loss of two laptops and a Steam Deck. The studio warned that the stolen devices contained not only their Gamescom demo builds but also a wealth of personal, corporate, and sensitive information, underscoring the broader implications of such thefts beyond the immediate hardware loss. In light of these incidents, Gamescom urged any exhibitor who experiences theft to file a report with both the event organizers and local police authorities.
They provided a direct contact email—sales@gamescom.de—for affected parties to reach out and begin the process of documentation and potential restitution. The apology and subsequent security review signal a shift in Gamescom’s approach to exhibitor safety. By acknowledging the emotional and financial toll on indie developers and promising concrete steps forward, the organizers hope to restore confidence among participants and demonstrate that the event is committed to protecting the creative work that defines the gaming industry.
The forthcoming round‑table and dedicated security audit are expected to produce actionable recommendations, such as enhanced on‑site monitoring, stricter access controls for shared booths, and possibly mandatory insurance requirements for high‑value equipment. As Gamescom prepares for its next edition, the lessons learned from this year’s thefts will likely shape a more robust and empathetic framework for safeguarding the assets and ideas of all exhibitors.