Gamescom has publicly expressed regret for the way it initially handled reports of stolen hardware at this year’s exhibition, admitting that its first response "did not strike the right tone" and failed to convey the empathy that the affected parties deserved. In a series of posts on its official social‑media channels, the organizers acknowledged that the criticism they received over their early communications was "justified" and promised to take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The apology began by addressing the outcry from independent developers whose equipment was taken. "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 said.
"That criticism is justified." The organizers then elaborated on the broader consequences of such thefts, noting that the loss goes far beyond the monetary 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 everyone affected: 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 brief notice acknowledging that some hardware had been taken, but the tone of that message was seen as overly procedural. It 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 exhibition’s "general security regulations" and reminded exhibitors that "individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft." While factual, the wording was perceived as lacking the personal touch needed when dealing with creators who had lost irreplaceable prototypes, source code, and months of development effort. In response to the backlash, Gamescom announced that it will conduct a comprehensive post‑event review, which will include a "dedicated review of security for indie exhibitors." The organizers also plan to convene a round‑table discussion with representatives from shared indie booths to "develop concrete measures together." This collaborative approach is intended to give smaller studios a stronger voice in shaping security protocols that are tailored to their specific needs, rather than relying solely on generic venue policies. GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Gamescom for clarification on several points, including the total number of theft incidents reported, the possibility of compensation for affected parties, and the overall effectiveness of the security infrastructure that was in place. The outlet was directed back to the organization’s earlier public statements, which offered limited detail beyond the acknowledgment of the problem and the promise of a future review.
Multiple developers shared their experiences publicly. Ryan Laley, the creator behind the indie title *Mimic*, reported that all of his laptops were stolen during the event. He described the loss as "a huge blow financially and mentally," emphasizing that the devices contained not only finished builds but also source files, design documents, and personal data.
In the wake of his complaint, several high‑profile industry players, including CD Projekt Red and Alienware, offered to supply replacement equipment. Gamescom’s team thanked these companies for their generosity, noting that while external assistance is valuable, it does not absolve the organizers of their responsibility to provide a secure environment. The statement from Gamescom reinforced this point, saying, "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. 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 expressed deep disappointment, noting that the stolen hardware belonged to development teams at Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, both of which had invested significant time and resources preparing for the show. Tessera Studios, the team behind *The Zibbo Show*, also suffered a breach when a cabinet was forced open, resulting in the theft of two laptops and a Steam Deck. Their spokesperson warned that the stolen devices contained not only the demo version of their game but also a wealth of personal, corporate, and critical information, underscoring the potential for broader data‑security ramifications beyond the immediate loss of hardware. Gamescom has urged any exhibitor who experienced theft to report the incident both to the event organizers and to local law enforcement.
They provided a dedicated email address—sales@gamescom.de—for victims to submit details, request assistance, and receive updates on the ongoing security review. Looking ahead, the organizers have pledged to implement several specific measures.
These include increasing the number of on‑site security staff during peak hours, offering discounted rates for additional stand‑level security locks, and establishing a rapid‑response protocol for reporting suspicious activity. They also plan to work closely with insurance providers to streamline claims processes for affected exhibitors, ensuring that financial restitution can be obtained more quickly.
In summary, Gamescom’s recent apology marks a shift from a procedural acknowledgment of theft to a more empathetic and action‑oriented stance. By admitting that its initial communication fell short, committing to a thorough security audit, and inviting indie developers into the conversation, the event aims to rebuild trust with a community that felt vulnerable and undervalued. The next few months will be critical in determining whether these promises translate into tangible improvements for future editions of the world’s largest gaming showcase.