Spiffo
- This article is about the official mascot of Project Zomboid. For the in-game item, see Spiffo (item). For the fast food chain, see Spiffo's.
Spiffo is the overly adorable raccoon that also acts as the Project Zomboid and The Indie Stone mascot. He is the creation of artist Marina Siu-Chong, and has undergone multiple visual changes since creation.
History
Spiffo originates from one of Indie Stone's first game, PAWS. Spiffo was created by and added by Marina Siu-Chong (AKA MashPotato or MashPotassium.) PAWS was originally going to feature 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 (archived).
When Project Zomboid began development, Mr. Spiffo was added as a mascot for the fast food restaurant chain "Spiffo's". He was meant to be just one of the planned many easter eggs that would appear in Project Zomboid from The Indie Stone's previous games.
When Will Porter joined The Indie Stone team, he is said to have been in love with Spiffo. As a result, Spiffo became more prevalent on the forums and website, with many sections and icons for the site including a picture of Spiffo. Spiffo also became the default avatar for new users on the forum, along with being part of the header.
Spiffo's first appearance in a blog is the same version of Spiffo that was in PAWS.
Spiffo was later redesigned in the style of a fast food restaurant mascot that matched his in game persona. The basic design remains the same, but a little fatter with a side cap. In the blog post he is referred to as the "Community Racoon" rather than the mascot for Spiffo's. A foreshadowing of just how integrated he would become with the community.
On the 24th of October 2012 Spiffo's redesign made its first appearance on the blog. His color scheme changed from gray and white into an orange, brown and white colorization. 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 further corroborated by the fact that his fast food worker hat was removed, and he now wears a more survival based outfit.
Over time, Spiffo has become even more incorporated into the website and community. A picture of him can even be seen when redirected to the site's 404 page. Spiffo and Project Zomboid are inseparable.
Spiffo now acts as the guidance for the game's tutorial. With images and catchy slogans being shown to help guide the player.
A Spiffo plush can also be found as an item in game. It is a decorative item used as an Easter Egg. Other members of PAWS are also available as plush toys.
Gallery
Spiffo design iterations
First known image of Spiffo? [1]
Spiffo's original transformation from PAWS to fast food restaurant mascot.
Legal Spiffos
Spiffo in-game
Spiffo on Steam
Blog Spiffos
Other official Spiffos
Limited edition Makeship Spiffo plush. The plush is wielding a Spiked Baseball Bat and wearing a School Bag, containing several items from the game.
Steadfast Spiffo was the 2nd series of limited edition Makeship plush merchandise. The plush is wielding an Axe and wearing a Large Backpack, containing several items from the game. All of the proceeds from the sales were donated to the Queensland Cancer Council, in memory of Vicki Ann Woods, a friend of the team.
Community-created Spiffos
Below are images of user-created Spiffos, keep in mind though that they are not official in any way, and may feature some non-canon, spoiler, or slightly disturbing images.
A Maneki-neko painted to look like Spiffo.
The PAWS gang enjoying a poker night by ChuckleberryFinn.
After running low on hamburgers, Spiffo will do what it takes to survive by ChuckleberryFinn.
Spiffo is a gambling man by ChuckleberryFinn.
Spiffo in his later years by ChuckleberryFinn.
Spiffo disapproves by ChuckleberryFinn.
Spiffo approves by ChuckleberryFinn.
See also
- Steam trading cards - Steam trading cards prominently featuring Spiffo.
- PAWS
- Easter eggs