Dreams on a Pillow: An Innovative Game by a Palestinian Creator

Dreams on a Pillow offers a unique gaming experience, shedding light on the 1948 Nakba—a pivotal historical moment when about 700,000 individuals were uprooted due to Zionist forces. This narrative-driven game introduces players to the emotional depth and complexity of this significant event in history.

Developed by the talented Palestinian creator, Rasheed Abu-Eideh, the game is a “pseudo-3D stealth adventure” that paints a poignant picture of a land once brimming with people, now transformed into a canvas of displacement. But before diving deeper into Dreams on a Pillow, it’s worth revisiting Abu-Eideh’s earlier work to appreciate his journey.

Back in 2016, Abu-Eideh released Liyla and the Shadows of War. This game focused on the 2014 Gaza assault, termed Operation Protective Edge, depicting the harrowing experiences of a young Palestinian girl and her family amidst relentless attacks. Though brief, Liyla’s blend of platform gameplay with choose-your-own-adventure elements struck a deep emotional chord with players. Remarkably, in 2021, it became part of an Indie Bundle Pack that successfully raised close to $900,000 for Palestinian relief via UNRWA USA.

Today, you can access Liyla and the Shadows of War for free on both mobile and Windows platforms. However, its journey was not without hurdles. Initially, in 2016, Apple’s App Store declined to recognize Liyla as a game. Abu-Eideh was instructed to reclassify it under “News” or “Reference” due to its political themes. This decision, seen by many as hypocritical, especially when a game called Israeli Heroes was accepted without issues, sparked discussions. Abu-Eideh’s persistence and social media advocacy eventually led to Apple acknowledging Liyla as a game.

Currently, Dreams on a Pillow is in the crowdfunding phase on LaunchGood, with the campaign running until January 13. The funds raised are intended to support asset production, hiring external talents, and providing salaries for the nine-member development team. The game is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, promising to deliver a thoughtfully crafted narrative that resonates with its players.