CD Projekt Red Offers To Help Gamescom Theft Victim As Industry Shows Its Support
Solo indie developer Ryan Laley had his equipment stolen from his Gamescom booth during an overnight raid, with multiple developers reporting stolen laptops from the Cologne, Germany gaming event. Laley, who was showcasing his upcoming asymmetrical horror game Mimic, shared an emotional video confirming the theft and describing the significant financial and emotional impact on his solo development work.
Police reports have been filed regarding the incident. The gaming industry has responded with widespread support, most notably from CD Projekt Red—developer of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077—who publicly offered assistance on social media, stating “No choom should have to start from zero.” Multiple other developers and studios have also extended offers of help to Laley.
The theft effectively cut short Laley’s Gamescom experience, preventing him from showcasing Mimic to potential industry partners and attendees at the annual event that draws over 400,000 visitors. For a solo indie developer, the loss represents both a substantial financial setback and a disrupted opportunity to present his work at a major industry gathering.