Video Game Simulates Recovering Looted Artifacts
**Nyamakop’s Revolutionary Game ‘Relooted’ Explores Cultural Repatriation Through Engaging Heist Adventure**
In a bold and groundbreaking move, South African indie game studio Nyamakop has announced the upcoming release of “Relooted,” an innovative heist adventure game challenging players to confront issues of cultural restitution by reclaiming African artifacts from Western museums. Set in a futuristic Johannesburg, “Relooted” tasks players with guiding a rogue team to recover over 70 meticulously researched artifacts, representing a daring and culturally significant narrative in modern gaming.
Nyamakop, known for its critically acclaimed game “Semblance,” is taking a major leap forward in storytelling and scale with “Relooted.” CEO Ben Myres describes the project as deeply personal, inspired by a visit to the British Museum where the Nereid Monument’s disassembly struck a chord. Seeing it uprooted led Myres to consider a game centered around the reclamation of cultural heritage.
“Relooted,” approximately 13–17 hours in length, is being celebrated as one of the largest video games ever produced in Sub-Saharan Africa. This ambitious project has been supported by an extensive team of researchers dedicated to ensuring cultural accuracy and respect in the depiction of each artifact. The game’s narrative director, Mohale Mashigo, emphasizes the importance of honoring distinct African cultures, ensuring players experience a diverse and nuanced journey.
The game incorporates real historical artifacts like the Ngadji drum and the Maqdala crown, transforming their stories into engaging gameplay mechanics. Players navigate intricate puzzles and moral choices, reflecting on the importance of returning these artifacts to their rightful contexts and restoring their cultural significance.
“Relooted” challenges traditional heist narratives by focusing on reclaiming history and identity rather than material gain. Myres and Mashigo aim to leave an open-ended impact; whether players are simply entertained or inspired to think critically about colonialism and restitution is entirely up to the individual.
As global pressure mounts on Western institutions to return stolen artifacts, “Relooted” offers a timely and interactive exploration of these pressing issues. By transforming the heist genre, Nyamakop not only shines a spotlight on cultural restitution but also imagines a future where African voices and stories are central to the narrative.
A demo version of “Relooted” was made available on September 16, 2025, for Xbox Series S/X and PC, with the official release date yet to be announced.