Full Breakdown
South African Video Game "Relooted" Challenges Western Museum Practices
2/21/2026, 9:58:47 PM
The Core Concept of "Relooted"
"Relooted," a video game developed by Johannesburg-based studio Nyamakop, invites players to reclaim African artefacts currently held in Western museums through a series of heists. Players assume the role of Nomali, a South African sports scientist and parkour expert, as they navigate various museums to retrieve 70 real historical objects, including an Asante gold mask and the skull of Tanzanian king Mangi Meli. The game is set against the backdrop of a growing movement advocating for the repatriation of cultural treasures looted during colonial times.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The game emerges amid a broader conversation about the restitution of artefacts taken from Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries. A 2018 report by French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that over 90% of Africa's cultural heritage resides outside the continent. Institutions like Berlin's Ethnologisches Museum and Cambridge University have returned artefacts such as the Benin bronzes to Nigeria, while others, including the British Museum, have resisted calls for repatriation.
Development and Vision
Ben Myres, Nyamakop's chief executive, began developing "Relooted" in 2018 after witnessing his mother's outrage at the British Museum. The game aims to provide players with a hopeful vision of what it might feel like when these artefacts are returned to their rightful homes. Mohale Mashigo, the game's narrative director, emphasized the importance of authenticity, ensuring that the characters and artefacts reflect diverse African cultures.
Gameplay Mechanics and Themes
"Relooted" is designed as a non-violent heist game, focusing on the retrieval of artefacts rather than traditional theft. The gameplay incorporates parkour elements, requiring players to plan and execute missions under pressure. The artefacts featured in the game are not mere props; they are imbued with historical significance, representing episodes of violence and colonial extraction.
Criticism and Broader Implications
The game addresses the ongoing debate about cultural ownership and restitution. Critics argue that discussions surrounding artefacts often center on power dynamics—who tells the story and who profits from cultural heritage. "Relooted" reframes this conversation by placing players in a scenario where they can envision a world where repatriation is possible, challenging the status quo of Western museum practices.
Official Statements and Responses
Ben Myres stated, “We want to give players the experience of what it will feel like eventually when these artefacts come home.” The game has garnered international attention for its unique approach to storytelling and cultural restitution, resonating with audiences who seek to engage with Africa's rich heritage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Real-life repatriation is enormously complicated and it’s been ongoing for decades, in some cases even a century or more … We’re giving people this hopeful, utopian feeling … of what it’s going to feel like when all these artefacts finally come home.” — Ben Myres, Chief Executive of Nyamakop
- “Learning about the scale of artefact looting in Africa, up to now I still can’t wrap my head around the numbers. It seems quite ridiculous and probably underestimated as well.” — Sithe Ncube, Game Producer
Conclusion: A New Era of Cultural Storytelling
"Relooted" represents a significant shift in the gaming landscape, offering a platform for African narratives and challenging the traditional portrayal of the continent in global media. By engaging players in the repatriation debate through interactive gameplay, the game not only entertains but also educates, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and restitution.
