Overview
- Several developers and publishers reported laptops and other devices stolen from their booths during the show, a pattern that was first made public on Friday when indie dev Ryan Laley posted that his booth had been raided.
- The thefts include Laley in the business area and reports from iam8bit and Tessera Studios across Halls 4.1 and 10.2, with exhibitors saying only the machines were taken and chargers or other items were left behind.
- Gamescom/Koelnmesse issued a statement saying uniformed guards provide general venue security, that exhibitors can book individual stand security and should insure equipment, and that all incidents have been reported to the police for investigation.
- The games industry and community have stepped in to help, with donors and larger studios offering funds or replacement kit that has already allowed some developers to replace lost hardware and continue participating.
- The incidents have revived prior concerns about Gamescom security vetting, raised specific worries about leaked pre-release builds and the financial hit to small studios, and left investigations by Cologne police ongoing.