[UPDATE] Indie Dev Posts Video Reporting Stolen Laptops at gamescom as CD Projekt Red and More Step in to Help

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UPDATE AUGUST 29, 2026: Both gamescom and Mimic developer Ryan Laley have responded to IGN's request for comment.

gamescom organizers replied to IGN's email request, pointing to a general statement regarding incidents of theft at this year's show. The same message was also posted to social media. You can read it in its entirety below.

"We are aware of stolen hardware and take these reports very seriously and understand the frustration of affected exhibitors," the message said. "Since many requests reached us, we would like to inform about general security regulations at the event: Uniformed guards provide general security across the venue. Individual stand security can be booked separately, and exhibitors are advised to insure equipment against theft.

"This is noted in the terms and conditions of participation and the technical guidelines. All cases have been reported to us and to the police, and investigations are already underway. We also want to ensure that the reported cases are individual cases, which we are very sorry to read. Because security has one of the highest priorities to us as an event and to see that indie developers are affected makes us very sad.

"At an event of this size, however, there will always be individuals attempting to take advantage of the situation. Our security measures are designed to minimize such risks as effectively as possible."

Laley also replied to IGN's request to learn more about both his stolen equipment and the events that followed. He clarified that it was his Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop that was taken, resulting in at least one full day of canceled appointments and missed opportunities. In his own words, it's the kind of thing that can leave a solo deveveloper feeling "isolated and vulnerable."

Thankfully, Laley wasn't alone for too long. After posting his first video following the incident, he was met with a wave of support from the gaming industry. He said he started the day "feeling sick" and "defeated," saying he wanted to "just go home and throw in the towel." He added that seeing everyone lend a hand "warmed my heart greatly."

"Words can't describe it," Laley told us. "I was simply sharing what happened to my existing community as I teach game Dev on YouTube and mentor studios and individuals as my main job. To see the explosion of love and support has been unreal and unbelievable. I'm glad to raise a spotlight to security concerns that other have had too and encourage everyone to look out for each other."

The indie dev has yet to receive any specific updates regarding his stolen gear. He was told he likely won't hear from police for another six weeks.

Laley has received significant support from his peers and fans alike. He asks any others hoping to help him make up lost ground check out Mimic on Steam, while encouraging those interested in development with Unreal technology to head over to his YouTube channel.

"Support the indie Devs," he added. "Making games is hard work, they/we are trying to share our love of this craft. We don't have a budget of some studios and are often paying out of pocket for a lot of this. So please go support the other developers out there too. They deserve it."

ORIGINAL STORY AUGUST 28, 2026: Ryan Laley, the solo indie developer behind upcoming asymmetrical horror game Mimic, has shared a video confirming his gamescom was "cut short" after he and other developers had their laptops stolen.

A teary Laley took to X/Twitter to share a video explaining why his "gamescom is over early," saying that "all our laptops have been stolen" after he and others had their booths "raided" overnight. Bringing Mimic to the Cologne, Germany gaming event meant getting the opportunity to show it off to a new audience of potential partners and eager gamers alike, but stolen gear would bring that dream to an end.

"As an indie, solo dev, this s**t's expensive and hard to do all by yourself," he said. "And to have this happen is beyond frustrating – it's heartbreaking."

Laley went on, saying the gamescom theft was reported to the proper security teams and authorities. Despite the effort he and others were putting in, he noted, "I don't expect it, obviously, to be found or returned."

"I don't know what I'm going to do now," he added. "I can't do my job. We'll post updates if I get any updates, but effectively, gamescom is over for me."

gamescom kicked off when Opening Night Live (ONL) aired Tuesday, August 25, letting developers loose for the rest of the week to show what they bring to the table. At the time of this story's publication, there are still more than two days left in the show, making Laley's loss an especially painful one. Thankfully, his story and video gained enough traction to reach the eyes of developers looking to help.

The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 team at CD Projekt Red quickly chimed in, apologizing to Laley for the circumstances he'd been thrust into. They admitted they wouldn't be able to "help right this second," but they did promise to "send a few things" his way.

"No choom should have to start from zero," its post said.

Gaming industry expert and Don't Scream developer Joe Henson (a.k.a. Indie Game Joe) went as far as to post a video message reply offering his support. It's an offer that Laley seems to have accepted.

"Thank you everyone so much for your support and love," he said in a follow-up post. "I'm trying to say thanks to everyone, but honestly, my fingers aren't fast enough. Huge shout-out and thanks to @IndieGameJoe, who kindly donated the money to replace my stolen hardware. He truly is a champion for the little guys, and [I'm] so thankful for his support towards all of us indies!"

Laley returned with an additional post later, thanking everyone again for their support. Although he will no longer have his booth, he still encouraged anyone interested in Mimic to find him at gamescom.

"Words can't describe how much I'm grateful for everyone's support," he said. "I'm a mentor and trainer in Unreal Engine, I train a lot of people up and go to a lot of universities, talk to a lot of students who want to get into games, and one of the things I always say to them is how friendly and warm and supportive of each other it is. Today is just evident of that. Proof that you guys are amazing."

Unfortunately, Laley was far from the only person affected by thieves at gamescom. Publisher and pop-culture collectible company iam8bit shared its own message reporting stolen goods at gamescom, saying that it had two laptops taken overnight. It added that, "on top of disrupting our very busy appointment schedule, this theft has potentially put unfinished builds of these games at risk of being leaked."

Tessera Studios, which is working on the game show-inspired The Zibbo Show, also published a video announcing it had been "robbed at gamescom." They called the damage it's caused the team "pretty huge."

For now, gamescom organizers have yet to publicly comment on the reports of theft at the event. IGN has reached out for comment.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

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