Multiple developers and publishers reported equipment theft during Gamescom 2026, prompting an offer of assistance from CD Projekt Red to affected indie teams. The incidents have raised concerns regarding the efficacy of security measures at the Cologne, Germany trade fair.
Ryan Laley, an indie developer, was among the first to publicly report a theft, stating on August 28 that his team's laptops were stolen from their Gamescom booth overnight. Laley described the incident as a "huge blow financially and mentally" and confirmed that police reports had been filed. His post garnered significant support online, including an offer from CD Projekt Red to "check the Arasaka hardware archives and see if we can send a few things your way."
Laley's experience was not isolated. Hours later, Tessera Studios reported that their booth had been broken into, with controllers, a Steam Deck, and two laptops containing the Gamescom demo, personal, and company data being stolen. Marcos Neila, co-founder of Tessera Studios, expressed the significant damage caused by the theft, noting the lack of insurance from Gamescom.
Publisher iam8bit also reported a theft of two laptops from their business area booth overnight, despite the presence of security. The company stated that the stolen equipment could lead to the leak of unfinished game builds for "Petal Runner" and "Escape Academy 2." Ukiyo Studios, a marketing and PR firm, shared that this was not their first negative experience at Gamescom, having had a PC stolen in 2024 and an Xbox controller, drinks, and food stolen during the current event. The firm noted they "always chalked it up as 'the cost of doing a show in Germany'" but hoped for improved security given the multiple reports.
Other attendees voiced frustration with Gamescom security. Eric Pope, senior community director for Dead by Daylight, called the security "an absolute joke," and Insider Gaming senior editor Grant Taylor-Hill observed individuals entering business areas unchecked.
Gamescom organizers acknowledged the reports in a statement, stating they take the incidents "very seriously" and understand the exhibitors' frustration. The statement noted that while uniformed guards provide general venue security, individual stand security can be booked separately. Exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft, a point mentioned in the event's terms and conditions. Gamescom confirmed that all cases have been reported to the police and investigations are underway. The organizers expressed sadness that indie developers were affected and reiterated that security is a high priority, though they acknowledged that "individuals attempting to take advantage of the situation" can occur at an event of its size, and their measures are designed to minimize such risks.