The Tribune

A Bahamas-based mobile game in the style of popular apps Subway Surfers and Temple Run is now available on the Google Play and iOS stores.

Island Run Bahamas follows its main character, Daniella, as she navigates the streets of Nassau, avoiding obstacles and collecting coins while being accompanied by a Royal Bahamian potcake dog.

The app was created by trained accountant and operations manager in the hospitality industry Don Williams, who came up with the idea to entertain his tech-savvy toddler – who shares her name with the game’s lead character.

“My daughter loves playing games on her tablet and other electronic devices,” Williams said. “I wanted to create a character based on her with elements representing The Bahamas. We recently completed phase one of the app development and have made the Island Run Bahamas app available to download for free for both Apple and Android users.” 

Island Run Bahamas features many familiar sights and sounds, including Julien Believe’s Caribbean Slide – which rings out from smart phones and tablets as runners enter the boost level, and iconic Bahamian landmarks such as Atlantis and the Parliament building.

But there are more features to come.

“This period is a testing phase,” Williams explained. “We are looking for honest feedback on all elements of the game from design to ease of use. Our goal is to have 1,000 downloads by the end of August and we plan to use the feedback in our second round of development.”

Future models of the app will include improved graphics and up to 30 running schemes, each depicting scenes from around the Bahamas. The phase two platform will also challenge players to bypass game levels by correctly answering Bahamian trivia. Williams is seeking to raise additional capital to improve the app’s functionality and ultimately wants Island Run Bahamas to be used as a branding tool for the tourism market.

“From a marketing perspective, we know that apps have the ability to connect users from anywhere in the world to products and services,” he said.

“I see this as an engaging and entertaining way to introduce The Bahamas’ tourism product to a targeted audience in a new way. 

“Players who have experienced a taste of The Bahamas can hop on a boat or plane and bring that virtual reality to life by visiting our islands.”

After downloading and testing the app, gamers are asked to provide feedback by visiting www.islandrunbahamas.