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Gamescom issues apology for initial response to hardware thefts: "It did not show the people affected the empathy they deserve"
Gamescom organizers have issued an apology for their initial response to hardware thefts that affected several indie developers during the event. They acknowledged their communication did not show sufficient empathy and have launched a review of security measures, particularly for indie exhibitors.
CD Projekt Red opens its 'Arasaka hardware archives' to help an indie dev whose gear was stolen during 1 of at…
Multiple indie developers and publishers, including CD Projekt Red, Tessera Studios, and iam8bit, reported significant equipment theft from their booths at Gamescom. CD Projekt Red offered assistance to one affected developer, while Gamescom acknowledged the incidents and emphasized existing security regulations and the recommendation for exhibitors to insure their equipment.
Indie devs and publishers hit in Gamescom equipment thefts
Several independent developers and publishers experienced significant equipment theft, including laptops and Steam Decks, from their booths at Gamescom. Organizers are facing criticism for inadequate security measures, with some developers reporting difficulties filing police reports and others receiving offers of support from larger companies like CD Projekt Red.
Multiple developers report equipment stolen from their Gamescom booths
Multiple developers reported equipment, including laptops and a Steam Deck, stolen from their booths at Gamescom in Cologne. Indie developer Ryan Laley stated the theft effectively ended his show early, while iam8bit and Tessera Studios also confirmed losses. Gamescom acknowledged the incidents, stating that investigations are underway and advising exhibitors to insure their equipment.
Stolen Laptops at gamescom: Solo Dev’s Tearful Video Draws Aid From CD Projekt Red and Fellow Creators
Solo developer Ryan Laley had his laptops stolen from his gamescom booth, leading to significant financial and emotional distress. The incident garnered widespread attention, prompting support from fellow creators and companies like CD Projekt Red, who offered assistance to help Laley replace his stolen hardware. Other studios, including iam8bit and Tessera Studios, also reported thefts at the event.
CD Projekt Red Offers To Help Gamescom Theft Victim As Industry Shows Its Support
Indie developer Ryan Laley reported equipment theft from his Gamescom booth, prompting an outpouring of support from the gaming industry, including CD Projekt Red. Separately, iam8bit also reported the overnight theft of two laptops containing game demos from their booth. The gaming community has rallied to assist Laley, with CD Projekt Red offering to replace stolen hardware.
Gamescom 2026 developers report theft of equipment from floor booths
Multiple developers and companies, including iam8bit and Ryan Laley, reported theft of laptops and equipment from their booths at Gamescom 2026. Police reports have been filed, and Tessera Studios also had items stolen. The incidents have led to criticism of Gamescom's security measures, with some developers offering support to the affected parties.
Evening Reading - July 17, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading recaps various gaming news items, including updates on Battlefield 6, Elden Ring mods, and The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda confirmed remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout project with Obsidian, and that Fallout 5 is in pre-production. Konami has revived Metal Gear social accounts, and the Lies of P Complete Edition is heading to Nintendo Switch 2.
Sony Tries To Change The Subject After Killing PlayStation Discs
Sony announced plans to end support for physical game discs on PlayStation platforms by early 2028, a move that has drawn significant backlash from gamers. The company's subsequent attempt to shift focus to a new wireless fight stick was met with continued anger and disappointment. Analysts suggest the decision aims to increase Sony's control over pricing and distribution, eliminating the used game market and pushing consumers towards digital purchases.
Sony tells publishers they can still reorder physical game discs for games pubbed before 2028
Sony has informed publishers that they can still reorder physical PlayStation game discs released before January 2028, even after the stated end of disc printing. This comes after significant backlash from publishers and preservation groups regarding the initial announcement. Meanwhile, Sony's disc manufacturing plant in Austria is being repurposed for optical microlens production.
"We are profoundly disappointed by Sony's decision" – Game companies express dismay at the end of PlayStation disc production
Sony plans to cease production of new PlayStation game discs by January 2028, shifting to an all-digital model and closing older digital storefronts. This decision has drawn criticism from various game companies and preservationists who view physical media as crucial for ownership, preservation, and consumer choice.
"Long live physical media": Devs and publishers of Baldur's Gate 3, Silksong, and more call Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation games "genuinely heartbreaking"
Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs starting in 2028 has been met with dismay from developers and publishers. Many express sadness and a loss of desire to develop for the platform, citing the importance of physical media for preservation, collector value, and the joy it brings to players. Companies like Larian Studios, Lost in Cult, and Fangamer are particularly vocal about the impact on their work and their commitment to physical releases.
"We are profoundly disappointed" - boutique special edition game makers react to PlayStation's discless future
Boutique special edition game makers like iam8bit, Lost in Cult, and Red Art Games have expressed profound disappointment and protest over Sony's decision to cease production of physical game discs for PlayStation consoles in January 2028. These companies emphasize the importance of physical media for game preservation, ownership, and consumer choice, vowing to continue their efforts to release physical editions for as long as possible.
Physical media retailers respond to PlayStation's discontinuation of disc-based games
Sony has announced its decision to cease production of physical disc-based games for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. This move has drawn disappointment from physical media retailers like GameFly, Fangamer, and iam8bit, who emphasize the importance of physical media for ownership, preservation, and consumer choice. While GameStop and Limited Run Games have not yet commented, Sony cites shifting consumer trends for its decision, which may also suggest cost-cutting measures for future hardware.
“Profoundly Disappointed” Is This Company’s Response To Sony’s Decision To End Disc Support
iam8bit has expressed profound disappointment regarding Sony's decision to end support for physical PlayStation discs in 2028, emphasizing the importance of physical media for game preservation and consumer choice. Independent developer Aeternum Game Studios also pledged to continue releasing physical editions before the deadline. This move by Sony, alongside potential similar decisions from Microsoft, signals a significant shift away from physical game distribution.
Unbeatable confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, will have a physical release
Unbeatable, an anime-inspired rhythm adventure game, is confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Publisher Playstack and developer D-Cell Games announced the upcoming title, which will also receive a physical release produced by iam8bit. The game features rhythm-based gameplay, story mode, and an arcade mode with unlockable content.
Sonic The Hedgehog is being re-released on cartridge but there's a big problem
Sega is celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary with several new releases, including Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 and two physical game collections. Additionally, iam8bit is releasing special cartridge re-releases of the original Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2 for the NTSC Sega Genesis, though these are primarily for collectors due to regional compatibility issues.
Sonic Returns To His Roots With New Sega Genesis Cartridges
Sega and iam8bit have released new 'Legacy Cartridges' for Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, compatible with NTSC Sega Genesis consoles. Priced at $99.99 each, these collector's items feature translucent cartridges, clamshell packaging, and instruction manuals, with a chance for a glow-in-the-dark shell.
This Blue Prince Physical Collection Might Help You Crack Some Of Its Toughest Puzzles
iam8bit is releasing a physical collector's edition for the puzzle game Blue Prince on Nintendo Switch, which will also include various merchandise like posters, notebooks, and replica keys. The collection is available for pre-order on iam8bit's website, with shipments expected in October. The article also references a positive review of the game's earlier PC and PlayStation 5 release.
Lies of P: Complete Edition Switch 2 Preorders Include Some Cool Collectibles
Lies of P: Complete Edition is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 6 digitally and October 2 physically. The physical edition, priced at $70, includes the base game, the Overture expansion, two cosmetic DLC packs, and six collectible art cards. iam8bit is also offering exclusive SteelBook cases and bundle editions with additional merchandise.