Gamescom has issued a statement addressing the recent reports of stolen equipment from multiple developers at the event. While acknowledging the situation "makes us very sad," the organizers highlighted that exhibitors are responsible for their own security and insurance, as outlined in the event's terms and conditions.
This response comes after several developers shared their experiences. Ryan Laley, the indie developer behind the game Mimic, posted a video on X detailing the overnight theft of his equipment from his booth. "My gamescom cut short," Laley stated, "Our equipment was stolen last night from the booth… At a loss for words to describe the feeling. Just defeated. Gonna do my best with what’s left of the week."
Publisher iam8bit reported a similar incident, discovering that two of their laptops had been stolen from their business area booth overnight, despite the presence of Koelnmesse security. Tessera Studios also reported that two laptops and a Steam Deck were stolen from their booth in the Indie Area after their cabinet was forced open. The stolen devices contained not only their Gamescom demo but also personal and critical company information.
Other studios and PR companies have come forward, with Ukiyo Studios noting that equipment had been stolen from them at previous Gamescom events, indicating a potential ongoing issue. In response to the growing concerns, the official Gamescom account shared a statement on X.
"We are aware of stolen hardware and take these reports very seriously and understand the frustration of affected exhibitors," the statement read. "Since many requests reached us, we would like to inform about general security regulations at the event… Uniformed guards provide general security across the venue. Individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft. This is noted in the terms and conditions of participation and the technical guidelines."
Gamescom further commented that "Because security has one of the highest priorities to us as an event and to see that indie developers are affected makes us very sad. At an event of this size, however, there will always be individuals attempting to take advantage of the situation."
The cost of exhibiting at Gamescom is significant. A 12-square-meter stand space, the smallest option, starts at approximately €2,100 (around $2,350), not including additional fees for services like enhanced security. These costs, combined with travel and accommodation, present a substantial investment for developers looking to showcase their work.