Theft
Ongoing coverage on Theft.
Latest coverage
Former Old School RuneScape developer sentenced to 150 hours community service for in-game gold theft
A former Jagex developer, Andrew Lakeman, has been sentenced to 150 hours of community service and a suspended prison sentence for stealing nearly $500,000 worth of in-game gold and items from Old School RuneScape players. The court found him guilty of theft, emphasizing that virtual theft is prosecutable. Separately, RuneScape is beta testing Vulkan rendering engine support.
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.
Gamescom apologises for how it initially responded to indie developer hardware thefts
Gamescom has issued an apology for its initial response to hardware thefts from indie developer booths, admitting it lacked the necessary empathy. The organizers acknowledged the significant impact of such incidents, which can derail an entire show for small studios. Gamescom is now committed to reviewing and improving security measures for indie exhibitors.
Former Old School Runescape dev sentenced for stealing from players to cash in over $400,000 in "black market" payouts
A former Old School RuneScape developer, Andrew Lakeman (also known as Jed Sanderson or 'Mod Jed'), has received a three-year suspended sentence for stealing in-game gold and items from players and selling them on the black market for approximately $490,000. Jagex fired Lakeman in 2018 after discovering his actions, which involved misusing his moderator privileges. The investigation by Cambridgeshire Police led to Lakeman pleading guilty and receiving a suspended sentence, community service, and a rehabilitation requirement, with efforts underway to recoup the stolen funds.
gamescom Apologizes for Its Initial Response to Thefts, Promises Improved Security Measures
gamescom has issued a second statement apologizing for its initial response to the theft of developer equipment during the event. The organization acknowledges the shortcomings in its handling of the situation and promises to implement improved security measures.
Court sentences disgraced Old School RuneScape dev who stole players' gold and "banked more than…
Former Old School RuneScape developer Andrew Lakeman has been sentenced to a three-year suspended sentence for stealing over £300,000 worth of in-game gold and items from player accounts. The court ruled that OSRS gold can legally be defined as 'property' subject to criminal theft, setting a potential precedent for virtual asset cases.
Gamescom makes second statement on 2026 theft, promising to review & improve security
Following reports of thefts at Gamescom 2026, the organization has issued a second statement apologizing for its initial response and promising to review and improve security measures. They will host a roundtable with developers to enhance security protocols and are asking affected parties to report incidents.
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.
CD Projekt Red offers to help after police reports are filed at Gamescom over stolen dev equipment: "We'll check the Arasaka hardware archives"
Multiple game developers reported equipment stolen from their booths at Gamescom 2026, leading to early event departures for some teams. CD Projekt Red and Everstone Studios offered assistance to those affected, while Gamescom organizers stated that investigations are underway and advised exhibitors to secure their own 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.
Gamescom addresses theft reports at this year’s event
Gamescom has issued a statement addressing multiple reports of theft during the event, where attendees and developers experienced missing equipment. The incidents have led to discussions about the event's security measures.
Indie Dev Posts Video Reporting Stolen Laptops at gamescom as CD Projekt Red and More Step in to Help
Indie developer Ryan Laley reported that his laptops were stolen at gamescom, cutting his participation short. Other developers, including those from CD Projekt Red, have stepped in to offer assistance to Laley and other affected developers.
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.
$50,000 NES collection stolen from 40-year collector who was going to use it to pay for his grandkids' college: "I don't think I will ever collect another thing again in my life"
A dedicated collector's Nintendo Entertainment System library, comprising over 860 games and valued between $50,000 and $100,000, was stolen from his home in Puyallup, Washington. The collector had spent 40 years amassing the collection, which he intended to use for his grandchildren's college education. The gaming community has rallied to support him, with a GoFundMe campaign and a donation of 40 NES games to help him restart his collection.
Pokémon Collector Poses as Buyer to Recover $4,000 Worth of Stolen Cards in 'Vigilante' Sting Operation
A Canadian Pokémon collector named Emilio Kihien took matters into his own hands to recover $4,000 worth of stolen cards after police stated they could not assist further. Kihien posed as a buyer in a sting operation to retrieve the stolen merchandise.
Saturday Tech Bits
Two individuals in China have been jailed for stealing RAM from a series of eSports hotels. The thieves looted 16 sticks of RAM valued at approximately $2,000 in what was described as a 'frenzied hotel room-dismantling' operation.
Two men plead guilty to stealing over £71,000 worth of Pokémon TCG in a string of burglaries targeting…
Two brothers, Keith and Shane Johnson, have pleaded guilty to multiple burglaries targeting Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) stock, stealing over £71,000 worth of cards. Cheshire police apprehended the brothers after tracing stolen vans and recovering the cards from their property. The thefts caused significant damage to multiple specialist shops.
