8-bit ‘Jimothy’: Viral sensation raids trash cans, eludes paparazzi in Seattle creator’s video game

July 21, 2026 - 00:46

The short-spined Seattle raccoon known as Jimothy has officially made the leap from viral photo to playable character. A local game developer has released an 8-bit style video game featuring the trash-can-raiding critter, who first captured the internet's attention last year. In the game, players control a pixelated Jimothy as he scurries through alleyways, dodges paparazzi flashbulbs, and rummages through bins for snacks.

Jimothy's real-life fame began when a Seattle resident posted a photo of the oddly shaped raccoon with a noticeably short spine. The image quickly spread across social media, inspiring fan art, custom T-shirts, original songs, and even tattoos. But the animal has remained famously elusive. Despite his celebrity status, Jimothy has avoided capture by wildlife officials and continues to evade the paparazzi who camp out near his known haunts.

The new game, created by a Seattle-based designer, leans into that mystique. It features chiptune music and simple retro controls, with levels that recreate actual locations where Jimothy has been spotted. The developer said the goal was to capture the raccoon's scrappy, independent spirit. Jimothy has not commented, but neighbors report he is still active and still very good at avoiding cameras.