During Gamescom 2026 in Germany, hardware was stolen from indie developer booths. The event organizers recently issued another statement, acknowledging that criticisms of their initial response were justified, and promised to conduct a specialized security review for independent exhibitors.
Previously, several developers and publishers reported that equipment at their booths was stolen during the event, including laptops, a Steam Deck, and other hardware. The event organizers had already confirmed that the incidents were reported to the police and that an investigation is underway.
In its latest statement, Gamescom acknowledged that its initial communication and handling of the hardware theft incident were inadequate. The organizers said, "These criticisms are valid. Our first response was poorly toned and failed to express the necessary empathy towards those affected. We sincerely apologize."
The organizers also acknowledged that the impact of these thefts extends far beyond the monetary value of the equipment, especially for small studios, as these work results and development devices represent months or even years of hard work.
Gamescom officials stated that they have been in communication with affected exhibitors regarding the thefts and their consequences. The organizers also praised members of the gaming industry who promptly offered assistance to affected developers after the incidents came to light.
As part of corrective measures, the organizers announced that they will conduct a specialized security review specifically for independent exhibitors, in addition to the usual post-event reviews and exhibitor feedback assessments. In the coming weeks, the organizers will also invite heads of shared indie booths to participate in roundtable discussions to discuss specific measures for enhancing security.
Gamescom is also calling on all exhibitors who have experienced theft, regardless of when the incident occurred, to report it to both the organizers and the police. The organizers stated that this will help create a complete record of the cases, facilitating investigators' efforts to determine if there are connections between multiple incidents.