IT’S fair to say Adam Hunt had a lot more experience on his BMX bike than he did at computer programming, but he’s now riding high on Apple’s iTunes with a new game.

The 31-year-old wanted to create a game that replicated the thrill of BMX stunts. But he was amazed his latest effort, Pumped BMX 2, shot to the number one spot in 13 countries and stayed there for a week.

The app, costing £1.99, remains in the top 10 apps worldwide.

Mr Hunt, from Cowley, got help designing the game’s tricks from his friend, Oxfordshire professional BMX rider Liam Eltham.

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In the official YouTube video trailer for his game he used a backing track by his friends, Oxford band Foals. It has now been watched more than 60,000 times.

The former Oxford & Cherwell Valley College pupil said: “Even now I’m still slightly shell-shocked.

“It is massively exciting for me and my friends, it has all been pretty life-changing.”

Mr Hunt, who grew up in Risinghurst, designed the first Pumped BMX app in his spare time while working at Oxford University Press two years ago.

Oxford Mail:

  • A screen shot from Pumped BMX 2    

He taught himself to program using Unity 3D, software which is now available to download free.

Pleased with the first version and getting good reviews from friends, in November he took the leap and quit his job to design the sequel full-time.

With help from Mr Eltham, who lives in Grove, he upgraded the 2D original into 3D, to make it – as he describes it – smoother and more fun.

He road-tested his app on skaters and BMX riders at Meadow Lane skatepark in Iffley, and finally launched Pumped BMX 2 on Thursday, September 25.

The aim of the game is to cycle across a fantasy landscape on a BMX, leaping gorges, spinning around loops and hopping across obstacles.

Mr Hunt would not reveal how many times his app has been downloaded, but said it was thousands.

Its success has meant, he said, he made enough money not to have to go back to work while he starts designing his next game.

Pumped BMX 2 also has a five-star rating in iTunes.

Mr Hunt, who lives with wife Sara, said: “It has had some pretty outstanding reviews.

“For an app to be successful it definitely has to be slightly addictive, but it’s a lot about knowing your market.

“These days game engines make it easier for people to make games.

“A few years ago, I couldn’t have made a game other BMXers would have liked, but now I can just draw on my knowledge and love of BMX.”

He is now adapting the app for Android phones.

WATCH THE PUMPED BMX 2 TRAILER HERE: 

 

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