Concept Art Design for the Culinary Digital Game Mayapada: Nusa dan Tara in the Style of Pixel Art

Abstract

This study aims to design concept art for a digital game that introduces traditional Indonesian (Nusantara) cuisine to urban teenagers. The motivation behind the research stems from the declining interest among adolescents in traditional food due to the influence of globalisation and the increasing popularity of fast food. To address this, a 2D pixel art digital game was designed using gamification techniques to create an enjoyable and educational experience. A design-based research method was employed, comprising five stages: orientation, analysis, concept development, design, and implementation. Data were collected through observation and a literature review focused on Nusantara culinary heritage, folklore, and traditional architecture. The analysis utilised the 5W+1H method to identify the core issues and audience needs. The results include a series of game visual assets, comprising character designs (main character, narrative NPCs, and supporting NPCs), environmental designs (a modern restaurant and a parallel realm called Mayapada Nusantara), and prop designs (food items and cooking ingredients). Character designs incorporate the theory of fairy tale subversion to produce original and culturally resonant figures. The environmental design employs a top-down approach and visual dissonance to enhance aesthetic appeal and create contrast. In conclusion, the concept art developed in this study successfully delivers artistically rich and conceptually sound visual assets. These outputs have strong potential for integration into an educational and entertaining digital game. The study further contributes to the development of pixel art in game design, offering valuable insights and inspiration for fellow concept artists.