Funko has issued a statement regarding the temporary suspension of the Itch.io platform, allegedly triggered by its brand protection software. Let's delve into Funko's response.
Funko and Itch.io in Private Discussions
Funko's official X (formerly Twitter) account addressed the situation, emphasizing their respect for the indie game community and its creators. They confirmed that their 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 site-wide takedown and expressed relief at Itch.io's swift restoration.
Funko stated they're actively working with Itch.io to resolve the matter and appreciate the community's understanding.
However, Itch.io's owner, Leaf, provided a more nuanced account on Hacker News, revealing the takedown resulted from a "fraud and phishing report," not just a simple takedown request. This report targeted both the hosting provider and registrar, causing the latter's automated system to shut down the entire domain despite immediate action from Leaf to rectify the issue. Leaf also noted, and Funko's statement omitted, contact from Funko's team to his mother.
For a comprehensive overview of the incident, refer to Game8's previous report on Itch.io's shutdown.
