Video Game “Relooted” aims to virtually return looted african artefacts
A new video game, Relooted, tackles the contentious issue of looted African art through the lens of a cinematic heist. Developed by pan-African studio Nyamakop, the story follows parkour expert Nomali, who reluctantly joins a crew to steal back sacred objects from Western museums to protect her family.
The narrative is a direct response to colonial history. The CEO drew inspiration from his mother’s anger at seeing looted monuments in the British Museum.
The game features artefacts based on real items, like the Kabwe skull and the Bangwa Queen, removed from Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In a deliberate choice, the action relies on puzzles and athleticism rather than violence, contrasting the often-brutal original takings.
Reclaimed treasures are virtuall delivered to Senegal’s Museum of Black Civilizations.
As the first African-developed game on a Nintendo console, the studio aims to create “African-inspired games for a global audience,” using this project to blend entertainment with cultural reclamation.
