Video game Relooted tasks you with reclaiming African artifacts in museums

February 10, 2026 - 14:25

A provocative new video game is turning the tables on colonial history by putting players in the role of a repatriation agent. Titled Relooted, the game from African-based studio Nyamakop tasks players with a singular mission: stealthily reclaiming real-life African artifacts displayed in Western museums and private collections to return them to their rightful historical owners.

Moving beyond fantasy, the game draws direct inspiration from actual cultural items currently housed in institutions abroad. Players will navigate intricate security systems, solve puzzles, and employ cunning tactics to successfully extract these treasures from grand museums and opulent mansions. Each successful mission is framed not as theft, but as an act of restorative justice.

The developers describe the project as a creative and engaging commentary on the ongoing global debate about cultural heritage and restitution. By immersing players in this high-stakes, morally charged environment, Relooted aims to educate a broader audience on the complex histories of these artifacts while advocating for their return. The game presents a digital form of activism, challenging players to reconsider who truly holds the right to own and display a culture's historical legacy.