Dreams on a Pillow: A Video Game Experience About the 1948 Nakba

by Luis December 28, 2024

– Dreams on a Pillow is a video game about the 1948 Nakba, where 700,000 people were displaced due to Zionist occupation.
– The developer, Rasheed Abu-Eideh, previously released a game called Liyla and the Shadows of War, which raised 0,000 for Palestinian aid and was initially rejected by Apple’s App Store due to its political nature.
– Abu-Eideh is currently crowdfunding for Dreams on a Pillow and plans to launch it in Q4 2026.

Dreams on a Pillow: A Video Game Experience About the 1948 Nakba

“Dreams on a Pillow” is a captivating video game experience that explores the tragic events of the 1948 Nakba. During this period, approximately 700,000 people were forcibly displaced from their land and homes due to Zionist occupation. Created by Palestinian developer Rasheed Abu-Eideh, the game offers players a pseudo-3D stealth adventure within a land that is being transformed from a vibrant community into a desolate wasteland.

Before delving into the details of “Dreams on a Pillow,” it is important to highlight Abu-Eideh’s previous work. In 2016, he released a game called “Liyla and the Shadows of War,” which depicted the 2014 assault on Gaza known as Operation Protective Edge. The game follows the journey of a Palestinian girl and her family as they navigate the challenges posed by the attacks in their neighborhood. Combining elements of platformers and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling, “Liyla” offers a short yet emotionally impactful experience.

To further emphasize the significance of “Liyla and the Shadows of War,” it is worth noting that in 2021, the game was featured in an Indie Bundle Pack that raised nearly 0,000 for Palestinian aid through UNRWA USA. This achievement highlights the power of video games as a medium for raising awareness and supporting important causes.

However, the journey to recognition for “Liyla and the Shadows of War” was not without obstacles. Initially, the game was rejected from the Apple App Store due to its political nature. Abu-Eideh was instructed to remove all references to the game as a “Game” and instead categorize it as “News” or “Reference.” This decision was met with widespread criticism as Apple allowed a game called “Israeli Heroes” to be featured in the game section. Only after Abu-Eideh spoke out on social media did Apple relent and permit “Liyla” to be classified as a game.

Now, Abu-Eideh is crowdfunding for his latest project, “Dreams on a Pillow,” on LaunchGood. The campaign, which runs until January 13th, aims to raise funds for asset creation, outsourcing, and salaries for the current team of nine individuals. With a targeted release date in the fourth quarter of 2026, “Dreams on a Pillow” promises to provide players with a thought-provoking and immersive experience that sheds light on an often overlooked chapter of history.

In conclusion, “Dreams on a Pillow” and Abu-Eideh’s previous game, “Liyla and the Shadows of War,” showcase the potential of video games as tools for storytelling and raising awareness. These games offer a unique perspective on significant historical events, challenging players to engage with complex narratives and empathize with those affected by oppression and conflict. By supporting projects like “Dreams on a Pillow,” we can contribute to the development of meaningful and impactful gaming experiences that foster greater understanding and compassion.