The atmosphere at Gamescom, one of the world’s largest gaming events, has been soured by a series of thefts targeting exhibitors. Multiple developers and companies have reported laptops and other equipment stolen from their booths, leaving some scrambling to salvage what they can of their presence at the show.
Indie Dev Devastated by Theft
Indie developer Ryan Laley, showcasing his asymmetrical survival horror game Mimic, shared an emotional video on X/Twitter on Friday, explaining that his booth had been broken into overnight. “Our booth got raided last night – not just mine, others as well,” he said. He lamented the financial and mental toll of the theft, especially for a solo developer. Cyberpunk 2077 studio CD Projekt Red responded with sympathy, offering to help replace some of the stolen equipment.
Other Companies Targeted
Laley wasn’t alone in his misfortune. iam8bit also reported that two of its laptops were stolen from its booth overnight. The company expressed disappointment not only for the disruption to their schedule but also for the potential risk of unfinished game builds being leaked. They were demonstrating Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2, developed by Nano Park Studios and Coin Crew Games, respectively.
Steam Deck and Sensitive Data Missing
Tessera Studios, developer of The Zibbo Show, revealed that its booth in the Indie Area was also targeted earlier in the week. Robbers forced open a cabinet to steal two laptops and a Steam Deck containing not only their Gamescom demo but also personal and company data. They noted hearing about similar incidents at other booths throughout the fair.
Past Incidents and Security Concerns
Ukiyo Studios shared a concerning anecdote from a previous Gamescom, claiming that they had a PC stolen two years ago but were prevented by organizers from filing a police report, as it would “make Gamescom and the city of Cologne look bad.” They highlighted the unusual security measures they take at other events due to concerns about theft.
Gamescom’s Response
Gamescom has acknowledged the thefts, stating that it is “aware of stolen hardware” and understands the frustration of affected exhibitors. The organizers emphasized general security regulations, advising exhibitors to book individual stand security and insure equipment against theft. They also stated that investigations are underway and that the reported cases appear to be isolated incidents. Despite this, the wave of thefts has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of gaming innovation.
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