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Gamescom Booth Thefts Hit Multiple Indie Developers
Gamescom Booth Thefts Hit Multiple Indie Developers
Multiple developers say laptops and other gear were stolen from their Gamescom booths overnight, cutting short planned meetings and game demos. Mimic developer Ryan Laley says his booth equipment was taken and police reports were filed.
The reports now include more than one booth, so the issue is not limited to Laley or his upcoming horror game.
The missing equipment matters because indie teams often use the same laptops to run demos, meet press and partners, and keep working during the show.
A stolen laptop can mean lost hardware, missed appointments/oppertunities, and worry about unfinished/unreleased game files.
Ryan Laley says Mimic’s Gamescom plans were cut short
Laley traveled to Cologne to show Mimic, a multiplayer horror game where friends must work out who they can trust. In his post, Laley says the theft was a hard financial and personal blow. A follow-up video says several laptops were taken from the booth area overnight.
Gamescom says it is aware of the stolen hardware reports, takes them seriously, and understands the frustration of affected exhibitors. The event says every case was reported to the police, and investigations are underway.
“Uniformed guards provide general security across the venue. Individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft.”
The statement says individual booth security can be booked separately and calls the reported thefts individual cases. Security is described as a high priority, and the organizers say they are sorry indie developers were affected.
“Our security measures are designed to minimize such risks as effectively as possible.”
Laley has not said that the missing equipment has been found.
Other Gamescom booths reported stolen laptops too
iam8bit also reported that two laptops were stolen from its business-area station. The company says the machines were being used to show Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2: Back to School to media and creators.
Gaming companies and creators offered support
Support has come quickly from across gaming. The Cyberpunk 2077 account offered to check its hardware stock for help, while Playtonic Games shared support for Laley.
Creator Indie Game Joe also offered help with replacement equipment. Dexerto says Indie Game Joe later donated enough money to replace Laley’s stolen hardware.
Kind messages will not fix the security problem, but they can help a small team get back on its feet after an event built around showing work to new people.
How to support Mimic right now
Laley has asked people who want to help to share the game and add it to their Steam wishlist. Gamers can view Mimic on Steam and wishlist it if the game looks like a fit.
Wishlisting does not cost anything, but it can help an indie game get seen before release. It also gives gamers a simple way to follow the game while Laley and the other affected teams deal with the loss.
What happens next
Police reports have been filed, and the affected teams are still sharing updates. Gamescom is a major place for studios to show games, so the reports have also raised fresh questions about overnight security in the business area.
More information may change the picture. For now, the confirmed point is clear: multiple exhibitors say equipment was stolen, and the loss has hurt their ability to show games at Gamescom.
