A new video game, Relooted, is offering players a unique and provocative experience: the chance to digitally reclaim African artifacts looted during the colonial era. Developed by South African studio Nyamakop, the game casts players as Nomali, a parkour expert tasked with infiltrating museums and private collections across the globe to return 70 real-world objects to their rightful homes. The game taps into a growing global conversation surrounding repatriation and the ethical responsibilities of Western institutions holding culturally significant items acquired through often exploitative means.
Relooted isn’t simply a heist game. it’s a narrative-driven experience rooted in historical realities. The game’s premise is set in a near-future where the Transatlantic Returns Treaty, designed to facilitate the return of stolen artifacts, is faltering, prompting a proactive response from those most affected. Players aren’t motivated by financial gain, but by a desire to right historical wrongs and ensure the preservation of African heritage. This unique approach sets Relooted apart from traditional gaming narratives and positions it as a powerful statement on cultural ownership and restitution.
The artifacts players seek to recover are not fictional. They include the Asante gold mask, taken by the British army during the destruction of Kumasi, the capital of the Asante empire, and currently held in the Wallace Collection in London, and the skull of Tanzanian king Mangi Meli, seized by German colonial forces after his execution in 1900. As reported by The Guardian, the game’s creators meticulously researched these objects, even including pronunciation guides to ensure authenticity.
A Response to a Historical Imbalance
The impetus for Relooted stems from the staggering scale of cultural property removed from Africa during the colonial period. A 2018 report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron estimated that over 90% of Africa’s cultural heritage is currently held outside the continent. Nyamakop producer Sithe Ncube described this as “millions upon millions of deeply important cultural, spiritual, and personal artifacts – including human remains – that aren’t in their rightful place.”
Whereas some institutions, such as the Ethnologisches Museum in Berlin and Cambridge University, have begun returning Benin bronzes to Nigeria, others, including the British Museum, have resisted similar calls for repatriation. Relooted offers a virtual alternative, allowing players to experience the act of reclaiming these treasures and imagining a future where they are restored to their communities.
“Africanfuturism” and a Vision for the Future
The game’s narrative director, Mohale Mashigo, crafted an “Africanfuturist” vision of the late 21st century, a genre distinct from Afrofuturism. Mashigo explained that Africanfuturism focuses on creating a future where African nations and cities “work for people,” rather than relying on fantastical elements. This vision extends to the game’s depiction of the world, with Europe and the United States intentionally portrayed as generic landscapes – “The Old World” and “The Shiny Place” – as a commentary on Western representation of Africa. As showcased on Instagram, the game’s aesthetic blends futuristic technology with traditional African motifs.
The development team, comprised of individuals from over 10 African countries, prioritized authenticity by hiring voice actors from the regions associated with the artifacts featured in the game. This commitment to representation extends to the meticulous research undertaken to ensure accurate pronunciations and cultural context. Ben Myres, Nyamakop’s CEO, shared that the idea for the game originated from his mother’s outrage upon seeing the Nereid Monument at the British Museum, sparking a conversation about the audacity of retaining stolen cultural property.
Relooted’s Impact and Availability
Relooted launched on February 10, 2026, and is now available on Xbox Game Pass, expanding its reach to a wider audience. AllKeyShop.com reports the game’s release on the platform. The game’s creators hope that Relooted will not only entertain but also spark dialogue about the importance of repatriation and the ongoing struggle to reclaim Africa’s cultural heritage.
The release of Relooted arrives at a pivotal moment in the global conversation surrounding the restitution of cultural artifacts. As real-world repatriation efforts continue to face challenges, the game offers a compelling and empowering experience, allowing players to actively participate in the process of reclaiming stolen history. The long-term impact of Relooted remains to be seen, but its potential to raise awareness and inspire action is undeniable.
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