Dreams on a Pillow is a captivating video game that delves into the events of the 1948 Nakba, a significant historical moment when approximately 700,000 people were forced to leave their homes due to Zionist occupation.
This intriguing game is described as a “pseudo-3D stealth adventure” that portrays the transformation of a vibrant land into a place where people are left without land. It’s the latest creation from Palestinian developer Rasheed Abu-Eideh. But before diving further into Dreams on a Pillow, let’s take a moment to explore one of his earlier works.
Back in 2016, Abu-Eideh introduced players to Liyla and the Shadows of War, a powerful game set against the backdrop of the 2014 assault on Gaza, often referred to as Operation Protective Edge. It follows the heart-wrenching journey of a young Palestinian girl and her family as they try to survive amidst the chaos surrounding them. Though brief, this game makes a lasting impact by combining platformer elements with a choose-your-own-adventure narrative. In 2021, it was included in an Indie Bundle Pack that impressively raised almost $900,000 for Palestinian aid through UNRWA USA.
Today, you can enjoy Liyla and the Shadows of War for free on mobile devices and Windows. However, its journey to availability wasn’t smooth. Initially, in 2016, the Apple App Store rejected it as a game. Abu-Eideh faced the hurdle of having to list it under “News” or “Reference” categories due to its political theme. This decision sparked controversy, especially since another game, Israeli Heroes, was accepted without issues. Public outcry, including Abu-Eideh’s vocal response on social media, eventually led Apple to recognize Liyla as a game.
Now, Abu-Eideh is working on Dreams on a Pillow and is seeking support through crowdfunding on LaunchGood until January 13. The funds gathered will be dedicated to creating game assets, outsourcing work, and paying the nine-member development team. If all goes according to plan, players can look forward to its release in the final quarter of 2026.
