Solo indie developer Ryan Laley said his gamescom appearance for upcoming horror game Mimic ended early after laptops were stolen overnight from his booth and those of other developers. The theft left him unable to work or continue exhibiting, highlighting the financial and emotional vulnerability of small studios attending costly industry events.

Laley said police reports were filed but he did not expect the equipment to be recovered. Gamescom began on 25 August and still had more than two days remaining when the incident was reported; support subsequently came from across the industry, with CD Projekt Red promising assistance and developer Joe Henson donating funds to replace the stolen hardware.