'Dreams on a Pillow': New Game Explores Conflict and Displacement Through Powerful Storytelling
January 8, 2025
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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GAMINGbible • Jan 8, 2025
Historical tragedy retold as video game meets crowdfunding goal