Solo developer Ryan Laley experienced a significant setback at Gamescom 2026 when his exhibition booth was targeted by thieves. On August 28, Laley discovered that six laptops, including his own primary workstation, had been taken from his display area overnight.
Quick Facts
- Event: Gamescom 2026, Cologne, Germany.
- Incident Date: August 28, 2026.
- Impact: Six laptops were stolen from the booth, ending the developer's time at the show early.
- Game Title: Mimic, an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game.
- Release Date: October 26, 2026.
Laley, who was attending the event to showcase his upcoming horror title Mimic, confirmed that a police report had been filed regarding the theft. While the incident resulted in the loss of his equipment and effectively cut his time at the event short, the developer received immediate assistance from the gaming community.
Community and Industry Support
Following the disclosure of the incident, YouTuber Indie Game Joe offered to cover the full cost of the stolen equipment. Laley later confirmed that the funds were provided, allowing him to replace the hardware. Additionally, the official Cyberpunk 2077 social media account reached out to offer further support to the developer.
In the wake of the news, players have begun adding Mimic to their Steam wishlists ahead of its scheduled launch on October 26, 2026.