Specifically, a bold new South African video game explores cultural restitution today. Consequently, players actively reclaim stolen African artifacts from Western museums. Historically, colonial armies previously looted these priceless treasures.
Daring Digital Heists
In Relooted, players control a skilled parkour expert named Nomali. Furthermore, she executes daring heists to retrieve 70 real historical objects. These items include a beautiful Asante gold mask. Additionally, players rescue the stolen skull of King Mangi Meli.
Historically, European colonizers took hundreds of thousands of culturally significant items. Moreover, a 2018 report highlighted a shocking historical fact. Currently, foreign museums hold over 90% of African cultural heritage.
A Utopian Vision
Fortunately, some institutions recently returned stolen Benin bronzes to Nigeria. However, the British Museum actively resists these repatriation calls. Subsequently, South African studio Nyamakop officially developed this unique heist game.
Chief executive Ben Myres explained the core game philosophy. Ultimately, he wants players to experience a hopeful, utopian feeling. Consequently, fans experience the joy of bringing these artifacts home.
Initially, Myres started creating this game back in 2018. Specifically, his outraged mother inspired the original heist concept completely.
Building the Africanfuturist World
Furthermore, a diverse team from 10 African countries built the game. They hired talented voice actors from across the entire continent. Subsequently, narrative director Mohale Mashigo created an exciting “Africanfuturist” world. She built a futuristic vision that works for African people.
Conversely, the developers intentionally parodied Western nations. Specifically, the game labels Europe as “The Old World.” Meanwhile, America simply becomes “The Shiny Place.” Ultimately, players deliver the stolen objects to Dakar, Senegal. The famous Museum of Black Civilisations safely houses them there.
Finally, game producer Sithe Ncube insisted on including the Kabwe Skull. Explorers originally discovered this 300,000-year-old fossil in Zambia. Currently, London’s Natural History Museum holds this important piece. Ncube called the game’s development a truly eye-opening experience. Ultimately, she could barely comprehend the massive scale of colonial looting.
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