Funko Responds as Itch.io Recovers from Shut Down by AI-Powered Brandshield

Funko Responds 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 company emphasized its respect for the indie gaming community and clarified its role in the incident.

Funko's statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledged that its brand protection partner, BrandShield, flagged an Itch.io page mimicking the Funko Fusion development website. This resulted in a takedown request. However, Funko explicitly stated it did not request a full platform takedown and expressed relief at Itch.io's swift restoration.

The company confirmed it is now in direct communication with Itch.io to address the issue and thanked the gaming community for its understanding.

Further details from Itch.io owner Leaf on Hacker News revealed a more complex situation than a simple takedown request. Leaf described the incident 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 noted, though unmentioned in Funko's statement, that Funko's team contacted his mother.

For a more comprehensive account of the Itch.io shutdown, please refer to Game8's previous article.