在2026年科隆遊戲展上，一名獨立遊戲開發者遭遇了沉重的打擊——用於展示遊戲的筆記本電腦在展會現場被盜，導致他的參展行程提前結束。
這位開發者名叫Ryan Laley，是一名獨自上陣的遊戲人，此次參展是為了展示他正在開發的非對稱多人恐怖遊戲《Mimic》。然而，8月28日當他回到展位時，卻發現包括自己新買的外星人筆記本在內的多台設備在夜間被盜。
My #gamescom cut short. Our equipment was stolen last night from the booth. Police reports have been filed. At a loss for words to describe the feeling. Just defeated. Gonna do my best with what's left of the week. But a huge blow financially and mentally https://twitter.com/RyanLaley/status/2093280590996869487
他在社交平台上發布了一段情緒激動的影片，哽咽著說：「我的科隆展提前結束了，我們所有的筆記本電腦都被偷了。昨晚我們的展位被洗劫了，不止是我，其他人也遭了殃。作為一個獨立開發者，這些設備太貴了，什麼都得靠自己。發生這種事，真的讓人崩潰。」
他隨後補充說，展位在閉展後共有六台筆記本被盜，充電線卻被留在了原地。他已向警方報案，但對找回設備不抱希望，也一時不知如何是好。
然而事情很快有了轉機。隨著消息在網路上傳播開來，多位圈內人士和玩家伸出了援手。YouTuber「Indie Game Joe」主動聯繫Laley，表示願意資助他購買新的設備。「我想給你買台新筆記本，沒有任何附加條件，就想幫你一把。」他寫道。
Hey Ryan, I am so sorry man. Stealing from an indie dev booth at Gamescom is the lowest of the low. I am so upset and angry for you I’d love to help fund replacement equipment and support however I can. We'll get this sorted for you❤️ https://twitter.com/IndieGameJoe/status/2093344841065283587
Thank you everyone so much for your support and love, I'm trying to say thanks to everyone but honestly my fingers aren't fast enough. Huge shout-out and thanks to @IndieGameJoe who kindly donated the money to replace my stolen hardware. He truly is a champion for the little guys and so thankful for his support towards all of us indies! https://twitter.com/RyanLaley/status/2093387270556426431
與此同時，《電馭叛客2077》官方賬號聲援他：「我們會翻翻荒坂的硬體倉庫，看看能不能給你寄點東西過去。不該讓任何夥伴從零開始。」
除了這些直接資助，還有大量玩家通過Steam將《Mimic》加入願望清單表達支持。這款遊戲目前計劃於2026年10月26日正式發售。
We are very sorry this happened to you. We hope you know you’re not on your own with this. And while it won’t help right this second, we’ll check the Arasaka hardware archives and see if we can send a few things your way. No choom should have to start from zero. 🤝🏼 https://twitter.com/CyberpunkGame/status/2093352395044483450
