Several exhibitors at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne have reported laptops and other equipment stolen from their booths overnight, with indie developer Ryan Laley saying the theft has effectively cut his show short. Laley, showing his game Mimic, said thieves took only laptops and left chargers behind, and that he had filed reports with Gamescom's management, its security team and the police, though he does not expect to recover the equipment. The incidents have raised questions about security at the event and prompted a public response from CD Projekt Red, which offered to help Laley replace his lost hardware.

Other affected exhibitors include Iam8bit, which lost two laptops used to demo Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2 despite Koelnmesse security being present, warning the theft could put unfinished game builds at risk of leaking. Tessera Studios said its Indie Area cabinet was forced open earlier in the week, with two laptops and a Steam Deck containing personal and company data taken, and reported hearing of further thefts at other booths across the fair. Ukiyo Studios also came forward, alleging that after a PC was stolen from its booth two years ago, Gamescom discouraged it from filing a police report, saying it would make the event and the city of Cologne "look bad." Gamescom has since issued a response to the wave of thefts, though details of its statement were not fully reported.