Let’s be real-most video game heists are about jacking cash or jewels for the thrill of it. But when I heard about Relooted, South African studio Nyamakop’s newly announced Africanfuturist heist game, I sat up straight. Here’s a game where you plan, parkour, and outsmart security not just to nab generic loot, but to reclaim actual, real-life African artifacts from Western museums. That’s a premise with teeth-and the kind of cultural resonance we rarely see in games.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Nyamakop |
| Release Date | TBA (Wishlist now) |
| Genres | Heist, Puzzle, Stealth, Africanfuturist |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox |
Nyamakop isn’t a newcomer to the indie scene-they broke out with Semblance in 2018, a platformer that let you bend the environment itself, and also happened to be the first African-developed IP to hit a Nintendo console. Now they’re back with Relooted, doubling down on what makes them unique: centering African stories, art, and now, political history, in their design.
The setup is pure heist-flick fantasy, but with a twist most games wouldn’t touch: In the late 21st century, museums are supposed to return stolen African artifacts—but, in classic colonial fashion, they find a loophole. So, you lead a crew to get those items back yourself. Each heist is about outsmarting security, using your crew’s unique skills, and then escaping with a dose of flow-based parkour. The artifacts you’re reclaiming? They’re not made-up MacGuffins—they’re 70 documented cultural treasures that, in real life, still sit behind glass cases far from home.
What makes this even more interesting is the crew you recruit. We’ve seen team-based heist games before (think Payday or Monaco), but Relooted emphasizes African diversity—your squad is drawn from across the continent, each with their own background and skills. That’s a welcome change from the usual “one-note hacker, one-note muscle” stereotypes. I’m hopeful Nyamakop will avoid tokenism and give these characters real depth—especially since African voices are leading the project.
The Africanfuturist setting is another highlight. Instead of rehashing tired cyberpunk cityscapes, Relooted’s Johannesburg looks vibrant and alive. The idea of a future Africa isn’t something games tackle often, and when they do, it’s rarely from an authentic, homegrown perspective. If Nyamakop can deliver an environment that feels both plausible and imaginative, it could set a new standard for worldbuilding outside the usual Western and East Asian templates.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: tackling the topic of cultural repatriation is bold, but it can also go wrong if handled carelessly. Early vibes from the announcement suggest Nyamakop gets what’s at stake—there’s a playfulness in the “find a new, stealthier form of diplomacy” pitch, but also genuine anger at the ongoing exploitation of African heritage. That emotional honesty is refreshing compared to the usual corporate hedging around colonial legacies. The question is: can they turn that passion into compelling, respectful gameplay, rather than just surface-level activism?
Gameplay-wise, the pitch sounds promising: puzzle-driven planning, placing teammates for smooth escapes, and a parkour system that (if well executed) could make movement a real thrill—not just a series of canned animations. The fact that every heist revolves around a real artifact adds weight to your actions. I do wonder, though: will the game maintain challenge and variety across 70 missions, or will it become repetitive? That’s always the risk with stealth-puzzle formats.
This isn’t just another stealth game with a novelty skin. Relooted has the potential to do what games are uniquely good at—putting you in the shoes of people whose stories rarely get told, and letting you act out real-world stakes. If Nyamakop nails the execution, we could be looking at a breakout indie that’s as meaningful as it is fun. Steam wishlisting is open now, and honestly, this is the kind of project I want to see get momentum.
For me and a lot of other gamers hungry for something fresh, the Africanfuturist angle is a huge draw—but it’s the commitment to real history, smart heist design, and local authenticity that could make Relooted stand out among a sea of copy-paste crime games. Here’s hoping Nyamakop gets the support (and the time) they need to deliver on the promise.
In short: Relooted is putting its money (and its gameplay) where its mouth is. If you’re looking for a heist game that actually means something, keep this one on your radar.
Relooted isn’t just another heist game—it’s an Africanfuturist adventure about real-world repatriation, designed by African devs who know what’s at stake. If Nyamakop can balance its bold premise with tight gameplay, this could be one of the most meaningful (and fun) indies of the year. Color me intrigued—and cautiously optimistic.