Indie devs report laptop thefts at gamescom, CD Projekt Red offers help
Indie developer Ryan Laley shared an emotional video online after his gamescom booth was raided and his laptop was stolen. According to IGN and Kotaku, Laley's event was "cut short" after his equipment was taken overnight from the business hall.
Laley, the solo developer behind the upcoming horror game Mimic, said the theft was a "huge blow financially and mentally." He reported the incident to security and police but holds little hope of recovery, per his statements in the reports.
The story gained traction, leading to an outpouring of industry support. CD Projekt Red, via its Cyberpunk 2077 account, responded by saying it would "check the Arasaka hardware archives and see if we can send a few things your way." The company's post added, "No choom should have to start from zero."
Kotaku reports that other developers were also hit. Publisher iam8bit confirmed two of its laptops were stolen, containing unfinished builds of Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2. Tessera Studios, working on The Zibbo Show, also reported a robbery.
Laley later posted an update, thanking the community. He specifically highlighted fellow developer Joe Henson, known as Indie Game Joe, for providing funds to get new hardware, according to the IGN report.
Gamescom organizers have not publicly commented on the thefts. IGN and Kotaku both state they have reached out for comment.
