Using Traditional Costumes in the Design of Game Character Clothing for ‘Heungbu and Nolbu 1’ Series of On-line Game <i>Tales Runner</i>

Abstract

‘Heongbu and Nolbu 1’ is a series of the on-line game ‘Tales Runner.’ It is based on a traditional Korean fairy tale. However, the game characters in Heongbu and Nolbu 1 wear casual clothes even though the game is set in the Joseon Dynasty. Therefore, this paper presents proposed game characters clothes based on traditional Korean costumes from the Joseon Dynasty. This work should help inspire gamers and game designers with the beauty of Korean traditional costumes and familiarize them with an aspect of Korean people’s identity. A literature review of online games and game characters was carried out, and game characters’ clothes were analyzed. The design motifs of historical relics of the Joseon era were evaluated. Three styles, one traditional and two “fusion” styles integrating traditional and modern elements were proposed for each of the 4 characters: Chowon, Ruff, Bada and Abell. The chulrik and jurip were used as design motifs for Chowon. A traditional chulrik, short chulriks and pants are suggested. Second, the dongari and jeonrip were used as design motifs for Ruff. A traditional dongdari, sapok pants, deck pants and a vest are suggested. Third, the jeogori and chima were used as design motifs for Bada. A traditional female hanbok, arm warmers, short-sleeved jeogori and dress are suggested. Fourth, the dang-ui and daeran-chima were used as design motifs for Abell. A traditional dang-ui and daeran-chima, blouse, skirt, jumper and tight Bermuda shorts are suggested. The length, shape and color were converted into new styles, but some traditional elements such as the git and goreum were retained. Keywords: game, character, traditional clothing