“Dreams on a Pillow” is a compelling video game that transports players back to the 1948 Nakba, a significant historical event where approximately 700,000 people were forced from their land and homes during the Zionist occupation. This game is crafted by Palestinian developer Rasheed Abu-Eideh, who is no stranger to weaving real-world events into interactive experiences.
Before diving deeper into “Dreams on a Pillow,” it’s worth revisiting one of Abu-Eideh’s earlier works. In 2016, he released “Liyla and the Shadows of War,” a poignant depiction of the 2014 assault on Gaza, otherwise known as Operation Protective Edge. This game portrays the harrowing journey of a young Palestinian girl and her family as they navigate the chaos in their neighborhood. Although brief, the game is a powerful emotional experience that combines platforming elements with choose-your-own-adventure storytelling. It struck a chord with many, and in 2021, it was included in an Indie Bundle Pack that successfully raised almost $900,000 for Palestinian aid through UNRWA USA.
Today, “Liyla and the Shadows of War” is available at no cost on both mobile and Windows platforms. However, its journey was not without obstacles. Initially, in 2016, the Apple App Store rejected the game, categorizing it as “News” or “Reference” rather than a “Game” due to its political content. This decision was met with widespread criticism, especially since another game titled “Israeli Heroes” was accepted as a game. After Abu-Eideh highlighted this inconsistency on social media, Apple eventually relented and allowed “Liyla” to be recognized as a game.
As for “Dreams on a Pillow,” it is currently in the crowdfunding phase on LaunchGood, with a campaign running until January 13. The funds generated will support the creation of game assets, outsourcing needs, and salaries for the dedicated team of nine. The developers are aiming for a release in the fourth quarter of 2026, and there’s certainly much anticipation surrounding how Abu-Eideh will once again blend gripping narrative with impactful gameplay.
