Gamescom has apologized for its initial response to the hardware thefts that affected several indie developers during this year’s event, admitting that its first statement “did not strike the right tone.” Organizers said the criticism was justified and that they failed to show enough empathy toward developers who lost laptops, Steam Decks, unfinished game builds, and other equipment.
The apology follows an earlier statement that pointed exhibitors to optional private booth security and advised them to insure equipment against theft. Gamescom also called the reported incidents individual cases and said an event of its size would always attract people looking to take advantage of the situation, drawing immediate criticism for appearing to shift responsibility toward the developers who had been robbed.
