Gamescom has officially responded after several developers and exhibitors reported having laptops and other hardware stolen from their booths during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne. At least three exhibitors have publicly reported thefts, including indie developer Ryan Laley, publisher iam8bit, and Tessera Studios.
In brief
- Several Gamescom exhibitors reported laptops and other equipment stolen from their booths.
- Gamescom says uniformed guards provide general security across the venue.
- Individual stand security must be booked separately, while exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft.
- Police investigations are underway, and Gamescom says its existing security measures are designed to minimize these risks.
Gamescom Addresses Reports of Stolen Hardware
Gamescom acknowledged the incidents in an official statement, saying it was aware of the stolen hardware and understood the frustration of affected exhibitors.
The organizer explained that uniformed guards provide general security throughout the venue. However, Gamescom also pointed out that exhibitors can separately book individual security for their stands and are advised to insure equipment against theft. According to the statement, these policies are included in Gamescom’s participation terms and technical guidelines.
The response has attracted criticism online, particularly because some exhibitors believed equipment left inside restricted areas would be reasonably secure overnight. The mention of separately arranged stand security and insurance has also been interpreted by some critics as shifting additional responsibility toward exhibitors following the thefts.
Multiple Developers Were Affected at Gamescom 2026
Mimic developer Ryan Laley reported that his laptops had been stolen, leaving the solo developer without the hardware needed to properly continue showcasing his game.
Publisher iam8bit also reported two laptops stolen from its Gamescom business-area station. The systems were being used to demonstrate Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2, raising concerns that unfinished builds could potentially be leaked.
Tessera Studios reported a separate incident in the Indie Area, saying a cabinet at its booth had been forced open and two laptops and a Steam Deck were taken. The devices reportedly contained game builds alongside company and personal information.
Police Are Investigating the Gamescom Thefts
Gamescom says all reported cases have been passed to police and investigations are underway. The organizer described the incidents as individual cases and said security remains one of its highest priorities.
Gamescom added that an event of its size will inevitably attract people attempting to exploit the situation, while maintaining that its security measures are designed to minimize such risks as effectively as possible.
