Gaming for Restitution: How ‘Relooted’ Signals a New Era of Cultural Reclamation
A new video game, “Relooted,” is making waves not just in the gaming world, but likewise in the ongoing global conversation surrounding the repatriation of stolen artifacts. Developed by South African studio Nyamakop, the game allows players to digitally reclaim 70 real African artifacts looted during the colonial era. This isn’t simply entertainment; it’s a powerful statement about cultural ownership and a glimpse into potential future trends where technology intersects with historical justice.
Beyond the Heist: The Game’s Core Mechanics and Message
Players take on the role of Nomali, a South African sports scientist and parkour expert, tasked with infiltrating Western museums and private collections to return these objects to their rightful homes. The game features real artifacts, including the Asante gold mask taken by the British army and currently held in the Wallace Collection in London, and the skull of Tanzanian king Mangi Meli, seized by German colonial forces. The narrative is set in a near-future where repatriation efforts are faltering, prompting a proactive response.
What sets “Relooted” apart is its motivation. Unlike traditional heist games driven by financial gain, players are driven by a desire to right historical wrongs. This reflects a growing sentiment that repatriation isn’t just a matter of legal obligation, but of moral imperative. The game’s creators meticulously researched the artifacts, even including pronunciation guides to ensure authenticity.
A Growing Trend: Gamification of Social and Political Issues
“Relooted” isn’t an isolated example. The gamification of complex social and political issues is a rising trend. Games are increasingly being used as tools for education, advocacy, and even activism. By placing players directly into the role of an agent of change, these games can foster empathy and understanding in a way that traditional media often struggles to achieve.
This trend extends beyond direct restitution narratives. Games are exploring themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and the impact of historical trauma. This allows for a more nuanced and interactive engagement with these issues than passive consumption of news or documentaries.
The Metaverse and Virtual Repatriation: A Future Possibility?
As the metaverse and virtual reality technologies mature, the concept of “virtual repatriation” could become increasingly relevant. Even as not a replacement for the physical return of artifacts, virtual repatriation could offer a powerful symbolic gesture and provide wider access to cultural heritage for communities that have been historically excluded. Imagine a virtual museum in Africa, populated with digital replicas of artifacts currently held in Western institutions.
This could also address practical challenges associated with physical repatriation, such as concerns about preservation and security. A digital twin of an artifact could be studied and appreciated by a global audience without risking damage to the original.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges to consider. Ensuring accurate representation and avoiding the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes is crucial. Collaboration with source communities is essential to ensure that virtual repatriations are respectful and meaningful. The focus on digital solutions shouldn’t detract from the ongoing efforts to achieve physical repatriation.
The game’s narrative director, Mohale Mashigo, intentionally created an “Africanfuturist” vision of the continent, focusing on positive futures rather than dystopian tropes. This approach highlights the importance of agency and self-determination in shaping narratives about Africa.
The Role of Technology in Amplifying Repatriation Efforts
Technology isn’t just being used to create games like “Relooted.” Digital tools are also playing a role in documenting looted artifacts, tracking their provenance, and facilitating communication between museums and source communities. Online databases and digital archives are making it easier to identify and locate stolen objects, and to build a stronger case for their return.
The 2018 report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron, estimating that over 90% of Africa’s material cultural heritage is held outside the continent, underscores the scale of the challenge and the need for innovative solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is “Relooted” based on real events?
A: Yes, the game features 70 real artifacts that were looted during the colonial era.
Q: What is virtual repatriation?
A: Virtual repatriation involves creating digital replicas of artifacts and making them accessible online, particularly to communities from which they were taken.
Q: Is gamification an effective way to raise awareness about social issues?
A: Yes, games can foster empathy, understanding, and engagement with complex issues in a way that traditional media often cannot.
Q: What is Africanfuturism?
A: Africanfuturism is a cultural aesthetic and philosophy that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and African history and mythology to explore positive visions of the future.
Did you know? The Asante gold mask featured in “Relooted” was taken during the destruction of Kumasi, the capital of the Asante empire.
Pro Tip: Support organizations working on repatriation efforts by donating or volunteering your time.
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