A groundbreaking video game called Relooted is shaking up the global conversation about Africa’s cultural treasures locked away in Western museums. Developed by South African studio Nyamakop, this futuristic heist game lets players step into Johannesburg and lead a daring mission to reclaim artifacts looted during colonial times.
But this is no ordinary heist. In Relooted, the crew is made up not of criminals, but of scientists, coders, and fighters. Guided by Professor Grace, a retired historian, players must outwit systems and institutions — not through brute force, but through intelligence, strategy, and sharp problem-solving. The message is clear: justice doesn’t always come with violence, but with wit and persistence.
For over a century, priceless treasures such as the Benin Bronzes of Nigeria and the Asante golden head of Ghana have remained in Western collections after being looted by colonial soldiers. A UNESCO report once revealed that up to 95% of sub-Saharan Africa’s art lies outside the continent, stripping generations of their heritage and history.
Though some items have trickled back, powerful laws in countries like the UK and France continue to block full restitution. Prestigious institutions like the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have acknowledged the issue, but real progress has been painfully slow.
Relooted throws players into this moral battlefield, offering 70 digital artifacts to “reclaim.” While the museums are fictional, the treasures are based on real stolen pieces. Framed as African Futurism, the game paints a bold, imaginative vision of Africa’s future — one rarely seen in the gaming world.
Nyamakop stresses that Relooted is not about glorifying theft, but about igniting a much-needed debate. With its dramatic storytelling and futuristic backdrop, the game invites players to ask a provocative question: “Is it stealing to take back what was stolen?”
The demo is already available on Steam, and the full release is set for PC and Xbox — and it’s already making waves far beyond the gaming community.
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