



This article is about the official mascot of Project Zomboid. For the in-game item, see Spiffo (item).

Spiffo is the overly adorable racoon that also acts as the Project Zomboid and The Indie Stone mascot. The creation of Marina Siu-Chong, Spiffo has had many alterations over the years. He is beloved, adorable and awesome.

History

Spiffo originates from one of Indie Stone's first game PAWS. Spiffo was created by and added by Marina Siu-Chong (AKA MashPotato.) PAWS was originally featuring all English creatures but Spiffo was added after they wanted "a Canadian character in there too". The raccoon was dubbed Mr Spiffo, a temporary name that soon became permanent.[2] You can even find some of the first artwork for Spiffo on Mashpotassium's blog here

When Project Zomboid came about Mr Spiffo was added as a mascot for the fast food restaurant chain "Spiffo's". He was also meant to be one easter egg of supposedly many that would appear in Project Zomboid from The Indie Stone's previous games. Around some point when Will Porter came onto The Indie Stone team he is said to have been in love with Spiffo. Eventually Spiffo became more prevalent on the forums and around the site as a result. Spiffo became more popular on the website with many sections and icons for the site including a picture of Spiffo. In the forums Spiffo is the default avatar for new users, as well as being a part of the header.

Spiffo's very first appearance on the blog used the same version of Spiffo that was in PAWS. The blog post can be found: here

Spiffo was then later redesigned in the style of a fast food restaurant mascot, as that was what he was originally supposed to be advertising. The color design of Spiffo remains the same, but is possibly a little fatter with a side cap. It's interesting to note that in the blog post he is referred to as the "Community Racoon" rather than the mascot for Spiffo's. A hint of just how integrated he would become with the community perhaps?[3]

On the 24th of October 2012 Spiffo's redesign made its first appearance on the blog. While he did remain a racoon, his color scheme changed from his grey and white into an orange, brown and white colourisation. This can also be seen as Spiffo's transformation from the mascot of Spiffo's fast food, into the mascot for Project Zomboid and The Indie Stone. This is mainly attributed to the fact the Spiffo no longer wears his Spiffo's side cap and is wearing a survivalist type attire and look.

After this time, Spiffo became more incorporated around the website. A picture of him can even be seen when redirected to a 404 page. It should also be noted that at some point during development Spiffo became a part of the games tutorial. With images and catchy slogans being shown to help guide you.

Spiffo can also be found as an item in game that can be collected; it has no known use except to serve as an Easter Egg.

Spiffo Iterations

First known image of Spiffo? [1]

Spiffo's transformation from his original V1 character into the mascot for Spiffo's fast food restaurant.

This is where we come to see Spiffo's redesign and colour change.

This is the 3rd version of Spiffo, where we see his transformation from fast food mascot into a survivor/Project Zomboid mascot.

Control yourself! Spiffo is here to show you the ropes to the game.

This picture of Spiffo appears in both the tutorial and the website when you come across a link to nowhere. Oh dear, Spiffo looks a bit lost. Note: The Canadian flag on his backpack, most likely in reference to Spiffo's creator.

Oh Spiffo, you should always remember to take some water with you.

Spiffo showing you how to be crafty.

Spiffo reminding you to always cook your food. His colors have changed again to emphasize the point of food poisoning.

The default avatar for new forum users. Spiffo saying hi.

Order, order! The Court of Spiffo is now in order! Here to tell you about T&C and EULA's!

Spiffo warning you of peeping toms and those pesky zombies. Keep your curtain closed kids!

Spiffo reminding you to do the right things. Teacher Spiffo

"Hello!" Spiffo greeting everybody.

Spiffo skipping with delight. Look how happy he is!

Spiffo explaining the different licenses for modding.

Spiffo reminding mod creators to give credit where credit is due.

Spiffo showing off his adorable authority.

LOCKDOWN! Spiffo looking very Secret Serviceish.

What's the meaning to life? Spiffo, contemplating some of life's toughest questions.

Spiffo getting into the Halloween spirit.

Spiffo wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Spiffo re-enacting singing in the rain perhaps?

Spiffo feeling a little bit stupid.

Spiffo really needs to organise his things a bit better.

Spiffo leading by example and getting into the swing of things.

Spiffo in game.

Surf's up Spiffo!

Happy birthday from Spiffo.

Spiffo hard at work.

Spiffo on the speedway.

Spiffo ducking for cover.

Spiffo representing the 'Builder' game mode.

Spiffo representing the 'Fighter' game mode.

Spiffo representing the 'Survivor' game mode.

Spiffo getting ready for a fight. Go kick some ass Spiffo! (Image used for the Spiffo The Fighter Steam card.)

Spiffo struggling to run his Spiffo restaurant. (Image used for the Spiffo The Chef Steam card.)

Spiffo... being Spiffo. (Image used for the Spiffo The Athlete Steam card.)

Spiffo nervously moves through a dark forest. (Image used for the Spiffo The Explorer Steam card.)

Spiffo getting to grasp with carpentry. (Image used for the Spiffo The Carpenter Steam card.)

Spiffo watering his crops. Good job Spiffo. (Image used for the Spiffo The Farmer Steam card.)

The badge gotten from crafting the Project Zomboid Foil Cards.

Spiffo looking pretty badass. (Background awarded through Steam Card Trading.)

Spiffo on a long journey... (Background awarded through Steam Card Trading.)

What would Spiffo look like in DayZ? (Used for Oh No More Zombies! Talk at Rezzed)

Spiffo in a cake.(Thanks Tooks)

A Maneki-neko painted to look like Spiffo.

Spiffo shirt.

Spiffo 3D printed (Thanks Tooks)