Rasheed Abueideh, a Palestinian game developer known for Lilya and the Shadows of War, has garnered over $200,000 for his upcoming project titled Dreams on a Pillow, which is a stealth adventure inspired by a Palestinian folk tale about the 1948 Nakba.
The Nakba, referred to as “the catastrophe,” signifies the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The United Nations highlights that before the Nakba, Palestine thrived as a multicultural society; however, tensions escalated when more Jewish immigrants arrived, influenced by European persecution and the Zionist movement’s desire to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Despite numerous resolutions advocating for Palestinian refugees’ right to return, the UN asserts that Palestinian rights remain unaddressed, with ongoing dispossession and displacement due to Israeli actions.
Abueideh’s previous game, Lilya and the Shadows of War, was well-received but he faced difficulties obtaining backing for new initiatives due to the sensitive nature of his topics. Building a nut roasting business to support his family, he eventually decided to re-enter game development following the ongoing conflict in Gaza that affected his livelihood. Using crowdfunding, he aimed to create Dreams on a Pillow, set against the backdrop of the Nakba.
The game will narrate the story of a mother named Omm, whose life is turned upside down after an Israeli attack claims her husband’s life. In her panic, she flees her home, believing she carries her newborn child, only to discover she has saved her pillow instead. The narrative explores Omm’s journey as she navigates her past and the trauma of her experience, encapsulating often unheard stories of Palestinian history.
Abueideh mentions that this folk tale reflects the emotional depth of the Nakba and is a powerful medium for addressing themes of resilience, identity, and justice.
The crowdfunding campaign runs until January 13, having already surpassed its goal, paving the way for the development phase to begin with core gameplay elements in place.
