Reframing Indonesian Folklore: MOBA-Based Hero Character Design of Balinese Goddess Danu from Barong Landung

This research explores the potential of character design to promote Indonesian culture and preserve traditional values in the face of globalization. By modernizing the Goddess Danu from the Balinese folklore Barong Landung, the study aims to create a character that appeals to contemporary audiences, particularly those interested in online battle games. The character design incorporates a semi-realistic splash art style to align with the visual aesthetics of popular gaming genres. A qualitative research methodology, guided by the ADDIE model, was utilized to gather data on the character and her folklore background. The resulting character design, inspired by the Goddess Danu, was visualized in a splash art poster style similar to those found in MOBA games. To ensure the design's effectiveness, validation interviews were conducted with experts and extreme user groups. The research concludes that designing a MOBA-style character grounded in Indonesian culture requires a multifaceted approach. A comprehensive, iterative design process involving experts, coupled with in-depth research and direct experimentation with MOBA games, is essential to understand the mechanics and gameplay that influence character design. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and authenticity in character design to ensure that the representation of Indonesian folklore is accurate and respectful. By effectively blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, character design can serve as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and promotion.