About Dreams on a Pillow
Dreams on a Pillow is a unique video game experience that sheds light on the 1948 Nakba, a tragic event that resulted in the displacement of around 700,000 people from their homes and land due to Zionist occupation.
Rasheed Abu-Eideh: A Developer with a Message
The mastermind behind this thought-provoking game is Palestinian developer Rasheed Abu-Eideh. Before delving into the details of Dreams on a Pillow, it’s essential to highlight his previous creation.
Liyla and the Shadows of War
In 2016, Abu-Eideh introduced Liyla and the Shadows of War, a narrative-driven game centered around the 2014 assault on Gaza by Israel, known as Operation Protective Edge. This emotional game follows a young Palestinian girl and her family as they navigate through the challenges posed by the attacks in their neighborhood. Through a blend of platforming elements and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling, players get a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by many in conflict zones. Notably, in 2021, Liyla and the Shadows of War was part of an Indie Bundle Pack that raised nearly $900,000 for Palestinian aid through UNRWA USA.
Challenges and Recognition
Initially offered for free on mobile and Windows platforms, Liyla and the Shadows of War faced its share of obstacles. Upon its original submission to the Apple App Store in 2016, the game was rejected for its political nature. Abu-Eideh was instructed to remove any reference to it as a “Game” and instead categorize it as “News” or “Reference.” This decision sparked controversy, as it highlighted the apparent double standards in the platform’s approval process. Despite the initial setback, after public outcry and discussions on social media, Apple eventually allowed Liyla and the Shadows of War to be recognized as a game.
Crowdfunding Campaign for Dreams on a Pillow
Currently, Abu-Eideh is seeking support for Dreams on a Pillow through a crowdfunding campaign on LaunchGood, running until Jan. 13. The funds generated from this campaign will be utilized for asset creation, outsourcing, and team salaries. With a team of 9 individuals working on the project, the game is set to launch in Q4 2026, aiming to continue Abu-Eideh’s legacy of impactful storytelling through gaming.