In Relooted, Gamers Plan the Perfect Heist to Reclaim Africa's Stolen Artifacts
In a bold move that blends gaming and cultural reclamation, South African game developer Nyamakop has crafted an unusual title with Relooted, a side-scrolling heist game that transforms the concept of repatriation into compelling gameplay. Players take on the role of diverse crews assembled from across Africa, tasked with liberating 70 real artifacts currently housed in Western museums.
The game's origins are rooted in a family dinner conversation that took place after developer Ben Myres' mother visited the British Museum and was appalled by what she saw. Two years of research later, the team had painstakingly recreated artifacts like a Kenyan drum that local communities believed had been destroyed for over a century, only to discover it gathering dust in museum storage.
Players must navigate stealth-based puzzles that blend parkour mechanics with Ocean's Eleven-style planning, all while navigating the pressure of having just 30 seconds to escape as alarms blare and security systems activate. Each crew member brings specialized skills – lock picking, hacking, acrobatics – and represents specific African countries with authentic voice acting sourced from those regions.
The studio grew from three to 30 people during development, deliberately building a team that could bring genuine cultural authenticity to both the visual design and narrative elements. This commitment to cultural accuracy is evident in every aspect of the game, from the carefully researched artifacts to the nuanced representation of African cultures.
A Game That Challenges Colonial Narratives
Relooted exemplifies how gaming can become a vehicle for cultural reclamation and education, tapping into broader consumer demand for authentic, global perspectives that challenge and reclaim colonial narratives. The game arrives as younger audiences increasingly question whose stories get told and who controls culture, reflecting a shift toward more conscious consumption of entertainment.
By gamifying a serious political issue while maintaining respect for its subject matter, Nyamakop demonstrates how brands can engage with social justice topics without preaching, letting players draw their own conclusions about whether these artifacts belong in Western museums or African communities. Entertainment doesn't have to shy away from hard truths; instead, it can transform them into agency.
A New Model for Gaming and Social Justice
In Relooted, players aren't just looting for thrills – they're engaging in symbolic justice. This bold approach shows that gaming can be a powerful tool for social change, one that challenges players to think critically about the world around them.
Expect more media formats that tackle serious, historically complex issues with irreverent, energetic gameplay. The Relooted phenomenon is set to inspire a new wave of games and entertainment that blend high-stakes gameplay with meaningful storytelling, leaving audiences engaged and empowered.
The Future of Gaming and Cultural Reclamation
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's clear that titles like Relooted will play a significant role in shaping its future. By embracing cultural reclamation and social justice, developers can create experiences that challenge players, spark conversations, and inspire positive change.