Gamescom has apologised to indie developers after a wave of thefts at this year's event, following criticism that organisers initially tried to deflect responsibility. Several exhibitors reported stolen laptops and other essential hardware, and Gamescom's early response, insisting developers were responsible for safeguarding their own belongings despite on-site security and restricted night-time access, was widely condemned as dismissive of the real financial and professional harm caused to smaller studios.

In its apology, Gamescom said it "understand[s] what this has cost" and admitted it "should have said so from the very first moment." The organisers pledged to scrutinise indie booths as part of a wider post-event review and to hold a roundtable with organisers of shared indie booths to discuss preventative measures. They also urged victims to report incidents to both organisers and police to help link related cases. The controversy was compounded by a separate claim that, at a past Gamescom, a developer was allegedly told not to involve police over a theft to protect the event's and Cologne's reputation.