Indie Palestinian Game ‘Dreams on a Pillow’ Smashes Fundraising Goal, Empowering Arab Gaming Community

A Historic Palestinian Game Reaches its Crowdfunding Goal

With just over a week remaining in its fundraising campaign, the Palestinian game "Dreams on a Pillow" has exceeded its initial crowdfunding goal of $200,000. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the game’s development, which will enable the team of nine to move forward with the game’s production.

The Game’s Story and Background

"Dreams on a Pillow" is a pseudo-3D stealth adventure game that takes players on a journey through the 1948 Nakba, a traumatic event in which Zionist forces violently displaced over 700,000 Palestinians from their homeland. The game’s story follows Omm, a young mother who flees her home with her newborn child after her husband’s murder, only to realize she’s taken a pillow instead of her child. The game’s developers aim to accurately portray the Nakba’s impact on Palestinian lives and challenge the common myth that the land was "empty" and "without people."

The Game’s Inspiration and Importance

The game’s creator, Rasheed Abu-Eideh, is no stranger to developing games that highlight the struggles and experiences of the Palestinian people. His previous game, "Liyla and the Shadows of War," was a poignant and powerful exploration of the 2014 Gaza war. Abu-Eideh’s commitment to using games as a medium to tell the stories of the Palestinian people is unwavering, and "Dreams on a Pillow" is just the latest example of his dedication.

Challenges and Controversies

The game’s development has not been without its challenges. Apple initially blocked "Liyla and the Shadows of War" from the App Store, citing concerns about its suitability for the Games category. The game was later published, and Abu-Eideh’s new game, "Dreams on a Pillow," is facing its own set of challenges, including the Israeli occupation, which makes it difficult for Abu-Eideh to travel to his roastery in the West Bank.

The Game’s Future and Impact

The success of "Dreams on a Pillow" is a testament to the power of crowdfunding and the importance of preserving the history and experiences of the Palestinian people. The game’s developers hope to use the funds raised to complete the game’s production, and ultimately, to share the story of the 1948 Nakba with a wider audience. With its unique blend of storytelling, historical accuracy, and emotional resonance, "Dreams on a Pillow" is set to make a lasting impact on the gaming community and beyond.