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Gamescom 2026 exhibitors report widespread hardware thefts
A series of overnight hardware thefts has targeted exhibitors at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany. Multiple developers and publishers, including solo developer Ryan Laley, iam8bit, and Tessera Studios, reported the loss of laptops, Steam Decks, and other technical equipment from their booths in both the business and indie areas.
In addition to financial losses, exhibitors expressed concern over the theft of intellectual property, as some stolen devices contained unreleased game builds and confidential company data. Ryan Laley reported that his stand was looted, leaving him with no equipment to continue his presentation.
Gamescom organizers responded by stating that while uniformed guards provide general security, exhibitors are responsible for booking individual stand security and insuring their own equipment. Investigations by local police are currently underway.
Compounding the security concerns, a customs report indicated potential irregularities among the event's security personnel. According to the report, one in three security staff showed signs of social welfare fraud or illegal work, and many were unable to produce required identification or official credentials.
Entities
CD Projekt RED · Cologne · Gamescom · Ryan Laley · Tessera Studios · iam8bit
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The publisher iam8bit reported the theft of two laptops from their booth. gameriv.com · www.spaziogames.it · icon-era.com · gaming.hwupgrade.it · www.gewoonvoorhem.nl · +3 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Tessera Studios is among the exhibitors that reported hardware thefts. gameriv.com · gaming.hwupgrade.it · www.gewoonvoorhem.nl · yro.slashdot.org · www.gameswelt.at · +1 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Developer Ryan Laley reported that his stand and others were looted overnight. gameriv.com · www.spaziogames.it · icon-era.com · gaming.hwupgrade.it · www.gewoonvoorhem.nl · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gamescom organizers stated that uniformed guards provide general security throughout the venue. gameriv.com · yro.slashdot.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] CD Projekt Red offered support to an affected developer by looking into providing replacement hardware. www.elperiodico.digital · www.spaziogames.it · icon-era.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Exhibitors must book individual stand security separately. gameriv.com · yro.slashdot.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] Exhibitors are responsible for booking individual stand security and insuring their own equipment. gameriv.com · yro.slashdot.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ryan Laley reported that his stand and others were looted overnight. gameriv.com · www.spaziogames.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] CD Projekt Red offered to help an affected developer by looking into providing support hardware. www.elperiodico.digital · www.spaziogames.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] A customs report indicated that one in three security staff at Gamescom showed signs of social welfare fraud or illegal work. www.gamezone.de · www.pcgames.de · www.videogameszone.de