"It's A Heavy Story" — Video Game On The Horrors Of Palestine's Nakba Is In The Works
'Dreams on a Pillow' follows Omm, a young mother fleeing the Israeli massacre in Tantura.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 22 Jan 2025, 11:30 AM
Dreams on a Pillow is an upcoming stealth adventure video game that transports players into the turmoil of 1948 Palestine
Developed by Palestinian game designer Rasheed Abueideh, the game immerses players in the Nakba, the mass displacement of 750,000 Palestinians following the creation of Israel in 1948.
Abueideh, known for Liyla and the Shadows of War, a critically acclaimed game based on Israel's 2014 offensive in Gaza, has once again turned to interactive storytelling to highlight Palestinian history.
The video game, funded through LaunchGood after mainstream crowdfunding platforms proved unwelcoming, met its USD194,800 (RM875,000) goal earlier this month and is now in early development
The game follows Omm, a young mother fleeing the Israeli massacre in Tantura.
In her frantic escape, she mistakenly grabs a pillow instead of her newborn.
The pillow becomes both her anchor and her tormentor —providing solace but also exposing the mental and emotional toll of displacement.
As players navigate Omm's journey through war-torn villages and refugee camps, Dreams on a Pillow unravels Palestinian history through gameplay mechanics that reflect trauma and survival
Abueideh says the game aims to challenge Western narratives that erase Palestinian presence and culture.
The game's dreamlike sequences offer glimpses of pre-1948 Palestine, a stark contrast to the devastation Omm endures.
"The young mother's experiences highlight how devastating the Nakba was, particularly the psychological impact it had on her. This adds a deeper layer to understanding what happened, shedding light on the emotional and mental toll that is often overlooked when discussing the crimes committed," Abueideh said to Al Jazeera.
Unlike Liyla and the Shadows of War, which was nearly blocked from the App Store, Dreams on a Pillow faces an uncertain fate when it comes to platform distribution
With an estimated release in 2026, the developers anticipate challenges in bringing their vision to mainstream gaming audiences.
But if Abueideh's track record is any indication, the game will find a way to reach players, just as history finds a way to be told.
