'Dreams On A Pillow': A Game Unveiling the Palestinian Experience Amidst Conflict
January 9, 2025
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.
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Rock Paper Shotgun • Jan 9, 2025
Dreams On A Pillow's developer on the challenges of making games from the West Bank