Funko Restores Access to Itch.io After AI-Driven Shield Intervention

Funko addresses the temporary Itch.io shutdown, allegedly triggered by its brand protection software, BrandShield. The company clarifies its role in the incident and expresses its support for the indie gaming community.

Funko and Itch.io in Private Discussions

Funko's official X (formerly Twitter) statement emphasizes its respect for indie developers and gamers. While acknowledging that BrandShield flagged an Itch.io page mimicking a Funko Fusion development site, leading to a takedown request, Funko insists it didn't intend for the entire platform to be shut down. They're pleased Itch.io quickly restored service and are now in direct communication with Itch.io to resolve the matter.

However, Itch.io's owner, Leaf, provides a different perspective on Hacker News. He describes the action not as a simple takedown request, but as a "fraud and phishing report" that triggered automated takedown procedures by the registrar. Leaf also notes that Funko contacted his mother, a detail omitted from Funko's public statement. For a comprehensive account of the incident, refer to Game8's previous article on the Itch.io shutdown.