How a Vancouver Developer Turned a Unicycling Obsession into a Punk Rock Video Game

A Vancouver developer’s love for unicycling has spun into a video game that’s as much a celebration of self-expression as it is a tribute to East Vancouver’s punk rock community.

Street Uni X, released earlier this year, lets players ride unicycles through Vancouver-inspired landscapes while performing tricks to the sounds of local punk bands. Created by East Vancouver resident Daffodil, who uses they/them pronouns, the game reflects their passion for unicycling as a mode of transport and their connection to the underground punk scene.

“The game is influenced by skateboarding, snowboarding, and BMX games,” Daffodil said. “But it also reflects a push for self-expression — something deeply rooted in punk communities.”

A Personal Obsession

Daffodil began street unicycling in 2018 after years of skateboarding and connecting with the East Vancouver skatepark scene. Their fascination with the unique art form deepened after attending the Unicon unicycling convention in South Korea, where they met inspiring professional unicyclists.

“That just fed into my obsession with making the game,” Daffodil said.

The game’s development spanned six years, with Daffodil transitioning to full-time development in 2022. Along the way, they collaborated with local punk bands and unicyclists, incorporating their inspirations into the game.

“I want to celebrate people in my community. Community is critical for me,” they said.

Co-op Model Supports Personal Projects

Street Uni X was published by Gamma Space, a Toronto-based cooperative game collective, with funding from Weird Ghosts, which supports underrepresented creators.

Henry Faber, who founded the Gamma Space publishing program, said the co-op model aims to foster sustainable game development, especially as layoffs and funding challenges continue to rock the video game industry.

“We’re trying to think differently about how games are made, focusing on sustainability and creativity,” Faber said.

Gamma Space also supported Psychroma, another indie game with deeply personal themes developed by Toronto-based Rocket Adrift.

Vancouver’s Unique Spotlight

The landscapes in Street Uni X are distinctly Vancouver: SkyTrain tracks, mountains, and shorelines provide the backdrop for gameplay. It’s part of a growing trend of B.C.-based projects showcasing local settings, shifting away from the province’s typical role as a stand-in for other locales.

For Daffodil, the game is more than just entertainment — it’s a way to live authentically and bring joy to others.

“I want to live true to myself, even when the world says that’s a problem,” they said. “And bringing smiles to my community is an incredible privilege.”