'Dreams on a Pillow': New Game Explores Conflict and Displacement Through Powerful Storytelling

January 8, 2025
'Dreams on a Pillow': New Game Explores Conflict and Displacement Through Powerful Storytelling
  • Video games have the potential to educate players about history and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, transforming from simple hobbies into powerful storytelling tools.

  • Despite his achievements, Abueideh has faced challenges in establishing a sustainable career in the gaming industry and currently operates a nut roastery in Nablus, Palestine, although unsafe travel has hindered his work.

  • Recent titles have demonstrated this evolution, with games like 'Assassin’s Creed Mirage' recreating 9th-century Baghdad, alongside indie games such as 'Firewatch' and 'Celeste' that tackle mental health issues.

  • Rasheed Abueideh, known for his previous work on 'Liyla & The Shadows of War,' is developing a new video game titled 'Dreams on a Pillow,' which aims to facilitate essential conversations about conflict and displacement.

  • In a pseudo-3D stealth adventure format, the game will explore significant themes, including the massacre of al-Tantura and events in Haifa and Acre.

  • The game follows the story of a young Palestinian mother named Omm, who is trying to escape war-torn Palestine, and incorporates a folk tale related to the 1948 Nakba.

  • This project highlights the importance of storytelling in video games, particularly in representing the experiences of those affected by conflict and tragedy, making the medium uniquely impactful.

  • With the crowdfunding campaign for 'Dreams on a Pillow' successfully raising $200,000, which covers half of its budget, a team of nine is set to commence full production of the game.

  • The funds raised will also support the creation of a playable demo to attract further investment for the project.

  • The success of this project could further illustrate how video games can serve as a medium for emotional exploration and storytelling, particularly in the context of historical events and personal experiences.

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