Imagine a Heist: Video Game 'Relooted' Lets Players Reclaim African Treasures

Fri Mar 06 2026 06:28:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the immersive new game 'Relooted', players navigate a futuristic world where they adopt the role of African characters seeking to reclaim cultural artifacts stolen during colonialism. The game blends adventure with a poignant narrative, raising awareness about the significance of repatriating looted treasures.

The video game 'Relooted' takes players into a speculative future where African characters execute heists to retrieve cultural artifacts looted during colonial times. Created by the Nyamakop studio, the game starts with a high-stakes narrative driven by family and heritage. Players engage through teamwork and acrobatics, learning about the historical importance of the artifacts they reclaim while contemplating the ongoing issue of cultural repatriation.

Set in 2099, 'Relooted' presents a narrative where the Transatlantic Returns Treaty is failing, leading protagonists to take their destiny into their own hands. The main character, Nomali, alongside her family, undertakes missions to break into museums and private collections in order to reclaim African cultural treasures. This action-packed game brings to light the ongoing dialogue about the return of artifacts that were taken during colonial times. Players will employ skills such as parkour, problem-solving, and teamwork as they navigate the challenges of the heists. As they progress, they learn about the cultural significance of the artifacts they reclaim, creating a unique experience that is both entertaining and educational.

Developed by a pan-African team from Nyamakop in South Africa, 'Relooted' is designed to appeal to the African diaspora and aims to be a voice for cultural awareness, addressing historical injustices through the engaging medium of video gaming.