Funko's Response to Itch.io Shutdown Caused by BrandShield
Funko has issued a public statement regarding the temporary shutdown of the Itch.io indie game marketplace. The statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizes Funko's respect for the indie gaming community and its developers.
Funko acknowledges that its brand protection partner, BrandShield, flagged an Itch.io page mimicking the Funko Fusion development website, leading to a takedown request. Crucially, Funko clarifies that they did not request a full takedown of the Itch.io platform. They expressed relief at the platform's swift restoration.
Funko is now in private discussions with Itch.io to address the issue and appreciates the gaming community's understanding.
However, Itch.io owner Leaf's account on Hacker News provides a more nuanced perspective. He describes the incident not as a simple takedown request but as a "fraud and phishing report" sent to both Itch.io's host and registrar. The registrar's automated system responded by taking down the entire domain, despite Leaf's immediate action to remove the offending page. Leaf also notes, unmentioned in Funko's statement, that Funko's team contacted his mother.
For further details on the Itch.io shutdown, please refer to Game8's previous article.
