Dishcover Indonesia: Android Cooking Game on Indonesian Cuisine

The primary objective of this project is to address the market gap for high-quality, modern cooking games by developing an Android-based mobile application centered on Indonesian cuisine. The thesis posits that while there is a consistent demand for cooking games, existing titles fail to meet contemporary player expectations regarding gameplay depth, content variety, and modern monetization mechanics. By integrating cultural education with current industry trends like loot boxes and complex progression systems, the project aims to create a more engaging and sustainable experience for a diverse, gender-neutral audience.

The research methodology involved two phases of user testing and market analysis conducted in 2018. An initial survey of 192 participants from various countries, including Indonesia, the United States, and Australia, established that while 71% of respondents had played cooking games, only a small fraction were currently active in the genre, citing a lack of depth in established titles like Cooking Mama. A subsequent beta test of the developed application involved 64 respondents, who evaluated the game across several metrics, including gameplay complexity, interface design, and educational value.

Key findings indicate that the developed game successfully aligned with user expectations, achieving ratings that closely matched or exceeded the benchmarks set by participants. The application features a city-based campaign system, a recipe-crafting mechanic using collectible ingredient cards, and an encyclopedia to promote Indonesian culinary culture. By incorporating these elements, the project demonstrates that the mobile market remains a viable space for niche, culturally specific games that leverage modern meta-mechanics to maintain player retention. The results confirm that addressing specific player desires for variety and complexity can effectively capture interest in an otherwise stagnant genre.