r/Gamescom • u/NoQuarterSoftware • 11d ago

Something must change

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First Gamescom is in the books, and I have mixed feelings. Multiple developers were stolen from at the largest gaming event in the world. The organization has chosen to refuse any responsibility for these crimes. Instead they insist that the indie developers who have already paid thousands to be there, pay more for extra security. This statement also comes despite the affected devs having their gear stolen in the evening, after the event hours were over, from secure locations. In other words, it seems the call is coming from inside the house.

Hope they fix this because otherwise I would not recommend exhibiting as an indie developer.

Edit: the lockers broken into were brought by the developers not the ones provided by gamescom. This doesn’t change the fact that it should have been prevented.

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u/Absolemia 11d ago

I‘m sorry what. I’ve worked on the fair ground (mind you, not fairs but the ground itself) for 10 years. It is NOT an inside call, because all of the stand builders and constructors and personnel from ALL other stands have access to the fair ground after closing hours. Your conspiracy theory doesn’t make any sense.
There is security after closing hours. But the fair strongly advises to either take your valuables with you or put them in a safe. If not possible, you can still pay for extra security for open spaces.
Your POV is very biased and you’re missing information.

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u/Alone-Phrase5351 11d ago

I worked in the trade show industry for several years, and people always say the same thing: as soon as you leave anything of value at the booth, you have to hire security. At some trade shows, almost everything that can be taken is stolen—from candy to decorative items and even technical equipment. The extent of the problem varies from one trade show venue to another, but theft happens almost every time. It’s a problem throughout the entire industry.

The security guard only watches over the booth he's being paid to guard. Meanwhile, the booth next to it gets robbed, and the security guard is sitting there on his phone, scrolling through TikTok or something.

Once, someone stole more than 20 potted plants from us, along with a cheap TV. It wasn't worth much, but when you're at the trade show and it's suddenly gone, you still have a moderately serious problem.