Pengembangan Game Adventure Berbasis Unity Engine sebagai Media Pengenalan Cerita Rakyat dan Kebudayaan Jaka Poleng Kabupaten Brebes

Abstract

The limited exposure of young people to local folklore requires digital media that combine entertainment, interaction, and cultural learning. This study designs the development of an adventure game based on the Unity Engine as a medium for introducing the Jaka Poleng folklore and the cultural environment of Brebes Regency. The research adopts a research-and-development approach with the Game Development Life Cycle, consisting of initiation, pre-production, production, alpha testing, beta testing, and release. Cultural content is identified through literature review, documentation, planned observation of the Brebes Pendopo environment, and consultation with cultural informants. The design output consists of a storyline, five narrative scenes, four exploration levels, cultural artifact collection, dialogue missions, quizzes, an in-game encyclopedia, and evaluation instruments for cultural experts, media experts, black-box testing, and user acceptance testing. Unity and C# are selected to support scene management, character movement, interaction, audio, scoring, and Android deployment. At the current design stage, the study produces a structured development blueprint rather than empirical effectiveness claims. The proposed game is expected to provide an engaging alternative for preserving and communicating the values of loyalty, courage, leadership, respect, and local identity embedded in the Jaka Poleng tradition.