African Heist Game Reclaims Stolen Treasures

In an imagined 2099, a new "African-futurist heist game" called Relooted allows players to reclaim African artefacts mostly plundered during colonial times. Developed by South Africa's Nyamakop studio, the game features a diverse pan-African team of designers and voice actors. Players control sports scientist Nomali, a parkour expert, who reluctantly agrees to missions motivated by justice rather than profit. The game highlights teamwork, athleticism, and puzzle-solving, with no violence depicted.

Relooted is designed for PCs and consoles, targeting the African diaspora globally. Its narrative director, Mohale Mashigo, explains that Nomali joins the heists to protect her family. The game's project manager, Sithe Ncube, believes it will resonate widely, fulfilling a common hope of reclaiming looted cultural heritage. The game's CEO, Ben Myres, conceived the idea after witnessing a dismantled ancient tomb in the British Museum.

Instead of violent acquisition, Relooted focuses on outsmarting systems and overcoming obstacles. Upon reclaiming artefacts, players deliver them to the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, Senegal. The game's artefacts are based on real-world items, including the Kabwe 1 skull from Zambia, the Asante Gold Mask looted in 1874, and the Ngwi Ndem sculpture from Cameroon. It also addresses recent thefts, such as Kenyan and Tanzanian vigango and Dogon art from Mali.

Nyamakop co-founder Ben Myres views Relooted as entertainment that also raises general awareness about African culture, history, and the scale of artefact looting. The game offers optional learning modules about the artefacts' symbolism and communities in a virtual 'Hideout Room.' Sithe Ncube notes that active engagement in games leads to learning, providing players with a new perspective on history and global standards of African game development.