A compelling new video game inspired by the real-life events of the Nakba, which marks the 1948 expulsion of Palestinian Arabs, is gaining impressive traction in its crowdfunding initiative.
With over three weeks to go, the campaign has already secured about 75% of its funding goal.
About the Game
“Dreams on a Pillow,” the name of this innovative project, is described as a “pseudo-3D stealth adventure.” The game follows the journey of Omm, a young mother from an olive-farming family in al-Tantura.
As players guide Omm through harrowing historical moments tied to the Nakba, they will experience her quest for safety as she makes her way to Lebanon in the north.
Development and Impact
The crowdfunding effort is the brainchild of Palestinian developer Rasheed Abueideh, who has long dreamed of creating a game of this magnitude—an aspiration he has held for nearly a decade.
To date, the initiative has raised £104,500 of the required £155,823, with contributions being accepted until January 13.
Abueideh’s journey into game development began about ten years ago when he became acutely aware of how video games could offer immersive experiences from a variety of perspectives, particularly during tough times.
A military operation in Gaza ignited his passion, leading him to create his first game, “Liyla & The Shadows of War.” This project sought to shed light on the stark realities faced by those living amidst conflict, discrimination, and occupation.
Support and Contributions
Despite encountering numerous obstacles, including temporary bans on platforms like Apple for being “too political,” Abueideh remained undeterred.
His perseverance paid off when “Liyla” received acclaim on an international scale, showcasing the power of storytelling through gaming.
Rasheed Abueideh envisions “Dreams on a Pillow” as a testament to the ability of video games to share the stories of diverse communities across the globe.
For anyone interested in contributing to this meaningful project, donations can be made on the crowdfunding page, with options ranging from £24 to £8,000.
Source: Eurogamer