Relooted: The African-Futurist Game Seeking to Reclaim Cultural Artefacts

Tue Mar 17 2026 06:01:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A new video game, 'Relooted', invites players to engage in a heist narrative focused on reclaiming African treasures. Created by the South African studio Nyamakop, the game highlights the ongoing issues of cultural heritage and restitution in a beautifully animated world.

The game 'Relooted' explores a futuristic narrative where players take on the role of characters attempting to reclaim looted artifacts from Western museums. As the protagonist Nomali uses her parkour skills, players learn about the real-world implications of cultural repatriation. The game blends entertainment with education, raising awareness of Africa's rich heritage and the injustices of historical looting.

Set in a speculative year of 2099, 'Relooted' presents a narrative where the Transatlantic Returns Treaty crumbles as Western museums find loopholes to retain stolen African treasures. The protagonist, Professor Grace, enlists her family and former student to reclaim significant cultural artefacts taken during colonial times.

Unlike typical heist stories driven by financial gain, 'Relooted' characters are motivated by cultural heritage. They embark on high-stakes missions that force them to outsmart security systems and navigate ethical dilemmas, highlighting the increasingly relevant topic of artifact repatriation.

Characterized by its African-futurist aesthetics, the game employs parkour mechanics through protagonist Nomali, who, alongside her tech-savvy brother Trevor and a multinational team, strives to retrieve cultural treasures. The game's design incorporates real artefacts, spotlighting the ongoing conversations about historical injustices surrounding their looting.

'Relooted' emphasizes non-violent problem-solving, utilizing puzzles and teamwork rather than aggressive tactics. With a pan-African production team, the game is set for global release on PC and consoles, targeting an audience eager to engage with African narratives in compelling formats.

Game co-founder Ben Myres underscores the endeavor not just as entertainment but as a medium to educate players about Africa's cultural history, encouraging a new perspective on the significance of these artefacts and their rightful owners.