Following criticism over its handling of thefts at this year’s event in Cologne, Gamescom has formally apologized for its initial response to the loss of equipment from several independent developers’ booths, admitting missteps in communication and promising improved security measures going forward.
Organisers Recognize Inadequate Response to Theft Incidents
Multiple exhibitors, especially indie developers, reported thefts of laptops and other hardware during the Gamescom convention last week. At least three creative teams, including Ryan Laley, Tessera Studios, and Iam8bit, were affected. Ryan Laley indicated that the theft forced him to withdraw early from the event, while Iam8bit disclosed the overnight theft of two laptops from the business area—an incident echoed by Tessera Studios’ experience.
At first, Gamescom addressed these thefts and recognized exhibitors’ frustration. However, the initial communication was criticized by those impacted, particularly for its lack of empathy and for downplaying how such incidents affect smaller studios. The situation unfolded in Cologne during the event week, leading to broader unease within the indie developer community and industry at large.
Revised Apology and Security Promises
On September 4, 2026, Gamescom organisers released a more detailed public statement via social media, admitting that their first message did not fully reflect the gravity of the situation or the emotional stress endured by victims. They apologized with the statement: “Our first response did not strike the right tone, and it did not show the people affected the empathy they deserved. We are sorry.”
The statement emphasized that for small studios, losing essential hardware can be catastrophic, going far beyond just the physical loss of equipment. The organisers noted, “For a small studio, [the loss] 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.”
Gamescom has begun reaching out to those affected to discuss both the thefts and resulting impacts, with an emphasis on hearing their feedback. The organisers also recognized the wider gaming community’s rapid and supportive engagement in response, highlighting offers of help from industry members like CD Projekt Red and Indie Game Joe.
Planned Safety Overhaul and Future Actions
To address ongoing security issues, the organisers have announced plans for a targeted review of safety provisions for indie exhibitors. As part of these efforts, Gamescom will hold a roundtable with shared indie booth organisers within the coming weeks, aiming to create “concrete measures” that improve protection. This initiative will accompany the standard post-show analysis and feedback collection from participating companies.
The organisers encouraged all past and present exhibitors who have experienced theft—regardless of when the incidents happened—to report them both to Gamescom staff and the local police, “so that incidents can be documented, possible connections between them investigated, and appropriate action taken.” For reporting, exhibitors can use the specific contact email: [email protected].
Reaffirming its commitment, the statement ended with: “Our commitment has always been to keep making Gamescom better—together with the community, not just when things go well.”
This latest response follows a wave of sector-wide support for affected developers and broad calls for stronger event security measures in future editions.