Funko has issued a statement regarding the temporary suspension of the Itch.io indie game marketplace, allegedly triggered by its brand protection software. Let's delve into Funko's response.
Funko's Response and Ongoing Dialogue with Itch.io
Funko's official X (formerly Twitter) account addressed the situation, emphasizing their respect for the indie gaming community and its developers. They confirmed that a brand protection partner, BrandShield, flagged an Itch.io page mimicking the Funko Fusion development website, leading to a takedown request. Crucially, Funko clarified they did not request a complete shutdown of Itch.io and expressed relief at the platform's swift restoration.
Funko stated they're now in direct communication with Itch.io to resolve the matter and appreciate the community's understanding.
However, Itch.io's owner, Leaf, provided further context on Hacker News, revealing the takedown stemmed from a "fraud and phishing report," not just a simple request. This report impacted both the hosting and registration services, resulting in the automated shutdown of the entire domain despite Leaf's immediate action. Leaf also noted, unmentioned in Funko's statement, that Funko's team contacted his mother.
For a more comprehensive account of the Itch.io shutdown, refer to Game8's previous report.
