Global Tech Outage: Itch.io Hit by Widespread ‘Error 1200’ Disruptions

Itch.io, the popular indie game marketplace, experienced a significant service outage last night. Hundreds of users across the United States and other regions reported being unable to access the platform. The disruption was marked by a recurring “Error 1200” message, indicating the site was temporarily rate-limited.

According to data from DownDetector, user reports of the problem surged dramatically. The outage tracker showed a sharp peak in issues beginning around 10:50 p.m. EDT. This widespread problem prevented developers and gamers from accessing their libraries and storefronts.

Itch.io Service Disruption and User Impact

The error message explicitly stated the website had been “temporarily rate limited.” This technical term often points to server-side security measures. Such measures can activate during unexpected traffic surges or system stress.

Users trying to browse games or access their accounts were met with the error screen. The problem appeared to affect both the main website and its associated services. This kind of widespread outage is rare for the typically stable platform.

The incident highlights the dependency of the indie gaming community on digital storefronts. Developers lost potential sales and engagement during the peak evening hours. Gamers were similarly locked out of their purchased content and community hubs.

Resolving the Itch.io Error 1200

For users encountering this error, several troubleshooting steps are recommended. The first step is always to check the site’s official status page or a third-party tracker like DownDetector. If the problem is widespread, the only solution is often to wait for the platform’s engineers to resolve it.

A simple hard refresh of the browser can sometimes bypass cached errors. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+R (or Cmd+Shift+R on Mac) forces this action. Clearing the browser’s cache and cookies is another effective step for resolving persistent client-side issues.

Trying an incognito or private browsing window helps determine if the problem is local. If the site loads in this mode, the issue lies with the main browser’s stored data. Switching to a different browser or device can also provide immediate access while the primary one is troubleshooted.

The rapid resolution of the Itch.io outage will be critical for maintaining developer and user trust. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the fragility of digital storefronts. The platform’s team is likely working to ensure long-term stability.

Info at your fingertips

What does “Error 1200” mean on Itch.io?

Error 1200 indicates that the website has been temporarily rate limited. This is usually a server-side security measure. It controls traffic flow to prevent overloading during high demand or technical issues.

Was the Itch.io outage global?

Reports on DownDetector confirmed the outage was widespread. The highest concentration of user reports came from the United States. Users in other regions also experienced access problems during the same period.

How long did the Itch.io disruption last?

The peak of reported outages occurred around 10:50 p.m. EDT. Service for most users was restored within a couple of hours. The exact duration varied depending on the user’s location and internet service provider.

What should I do if I still see the error?

Perform a hard refresh on your browser or clear its cache and cookies. Try accessing the site using a private browsing window. If the problem continues, check Itch.io’s official social media for status updates.

Could the outage affect my game downloads?

Yes, the outage prevented access to the entire platform. This included game download pages and user libraries. Any downloads or purchases were paused until service was fully restored.