'Dreams On A Pillow': A Game Unveiling the Palestinian Experience Amidst Conflict

January 9, 2025
'Dreams On A Pillow': A Game Unveiling the Palestinian Experience Amidst Conflict
  • Rasheed Abu-Eideh has developed a new game titled 'Dreams On A Pillow', inspired by the recent attacks on Gaza, particularly the events of 2023, following his earlier work 'Liyla And The Shadows Of War', which was influenced by the 2014 conflict.

  • Abu-Eideh feels a strong obligation to create games that authentically reflect Palestinian experiences, believing in the emotional power of storytelling through gaming.

  • The new game is a stealth adventure that narrates the story of a young mother during the Nakba, the 1948 ethnic cleansing of Palestinian Arabs by Israel.

  • The protagonist's journey in 'Dreams On A Pillow' incorporates emotional and psychological elements tied to the Nakba, symbolized by a pillow that represents safety and comfort.

  • Reflecting on the current climate, Abu-Eideh describes the impact of settlement expansion and ongoing violence, which contribute to a pervasive atmosphere of fear and instability.

  • Daily life in the West Bank is filled with dangers, including military checkpoints and attacks, complicating even simple tasks like taking children to school.

  • Abu-Eideh has highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinian developers, such as recognition issues on platforms like Google Play, which has led him to seek crowdfunding on LaunchGood.

  • The crowdfunding campaign for 'Dreams On A Pillow' has already surpassed its initial goal, and Abu-Eideh has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received.

  • This crowdfunding campaign is ongoing and is set to conclude on January 13, 2025.

  • The success of his first game, 'Liyla', motivated Abu-Eideh to pursue this new project, despite facing challenges due to his unstable environment and personal responsibilities.

  • Abu-Eideh's first game faced rejection from Apple's App Store due to its political content, a decision that was later reversed following public backlash.

  • He noted that many aspiring Palestinian game developers encounter significant barriers due to a lack of resources and support, which limits their opportunities for experimentation and growth.

Summary based on 1 source


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