Unravel the Nakba: Explore the Enchantment of ‘Dreams on a Pillow’

In the realm of mobile gaming, players often seek thrilling challenges and high scores, but some experiences transcend simple entertainment. One such title is “Dreams on a Pillow”, a mobile adventure that not only engages your skills but also immerses you in a poignant emotional journey through a significant chapter in Palestinian history: the Nakba of 1948. This game, developed by Palestinian creator Rasheed Abueideh, transforms the mobile screen into a canvas of survival, allowing players to explore the harrowing stories of those affected by this tragic event.

The term “Nakba,” which translates to “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement of around 750,000 Palestinians from their homes by Zionist forces. “Dreams on a Pillow” offers an interactive experience, where each decision made by players resonates with historical weight, and survival becomes a narrative that demands to be told.

Imagine engaging in a game where every action is steeped in history, every choice reverberates through time, and survival is not merely a game mechanic but a narrative that needs exploration. This is precisely what “Dreams on a Pillow” aims to achieve—a gripping stealth adventure that thrusts players into the heart of untold stories from the Nakba.

Nakba of 1948

In a recent interview with Tehran Times, Abueideh shared that his game is inspired by a traditional Palestinian folk tale, set against the backdrop of the ethnic cleansing during the Nakba of 1948. He elaborated, saying, “It tells the story of a young mother in Palestine whose husband is killed by Zionist forces. Panicked, she rushes home to retrieve her newborn from the bed. As she flees the town in terror, she later realizes she has unknowingly taken a pillow instead of her baby.”

The protagonist, Omm, is depicted as a mother from Tantura, a Palestinian fishing village along the Mediterranean coast. Abueideh explained, “She grew up in this beautiful village, surrounded by family, and later built a life there with her husband. But after the Nakba, like many Palestinians, she was forced into exile, enduring the pain of displacement and the loss of her homeland.”

Abueideh emphasized that the game’s focus is not solely on historical events. Instead, “Dreams on a Pillow” highlights the human experience—what it means to lose one’s home, to flee for safety, and to carry the weight of memory across generations. He stated, “The game creates an immersive experience that connects players with the deeply personal stories of those who lived through the Nakba, making history feel immediate and profoundly human.”

When asked about the inspiration for the game’s narrative, Abueideh explained that it is based on a true story that is part of Palestinian oral heritage. The tale reflects the real tragedies faced during the Nakba, where families experienced chaos, loss, and displacement. The image of a mother mistakenly carrying a pillow instead of her child serves as a powerful metaphor for the trauma of forced exile. “My goal with this game is to preserve these stories and share them in a way that connects players emotionally to this history,” he added.

Previous Success: “Liyla & The Shadows of War”

In 2016, Abueideh and his small team launched “Liyla & The Shadows of War” on PC and mobile platforms. This game quickly garnered attention for its impactful themes. According to Abueideh, “Liyla & The Shadows of War” was inspired by real events during the 2014 invasion of Gaza, telling the story of a young girl, Liyla, and her family as they navigate the bombings in their city.

He explained, “The game was a way to shed light on the reality of war and its impact on civilians, especially children.” Despite facing censorship, “Liyla & The Shadows of War” achieved significant recognition, winning awards and being featured in international festivals. Abueideh noted its resonance with players, many of whom were unaware of the situation in Gaza, as its most significant feature. “Through ‘Liyla & The Shadows of War’, I learned the power of emotional storytelling in games. Players connect more with personal, human stories rather than just historical facts,” he said.

Abueideh reiterated that with “Dreams on a Pillow”, he aims to build on this approach, emphasizing personal loss, memory, and resilience instead of merely recounting events. “This time, the story is more layered, blending reality with dreamlike elements to reflect the psychological trauma of displacement.”

Despite its success—amassing millions of downloads and winning accolades like first place for Excellence in Storyboarding at the International Mobile Gaming Awards for the Middle East and North Africa—the game encountered hurdles. Initially, Apple rejected it due to its political content, but following public outcry, the company reversed its decision, allowing the game to reach a wider audience.

Incredible Public Support

Abueideh considers balancing historical accuracy with emotional storytelling as one of the major challenges in developing “Dreams on a Pillow.” He stated, “Funding has also been difficult, as awareness-based indie games often struggle to attract financial support compared to commercial projects.” Censorship from popular platforms remains a concern, particularly given the challenges faced with “Liyla & The Shadows of War.”

However, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support, which has exceeded expectations. “Building on this success, we are keeping the door open for supporters to continue contributing through LaunchGood,” Abueideh highlighted. This initiative aims to ensure the project’s independence while bringing “Dreams on a Pillow” to life with the quality and depth it deserves.

“Right now, we are in the pre-production phase, making critical decisions that will shape the future of the project. At the same time, we are developing the core mechanics and creating tools to help streamline production as we move into full development,” he explained.

Not Just About Learning Historical Facts

In his conversation with Tehran Times, Abueideh articulated his vision: “I want players to feel the deep sense of loss, displacement, and resilience that Palestinians experienced during the Nakba. “Dreams on a Pillow” is not just about learning historical facts; it is about connecting with the human emotions behind them. I hope players empathize with the struggle of losing one’s home, the fear of uncertainty, and the lasting impact of exile.”

He also expressed his hope that the game would ignite curiosity and awareness, encouraging players to delve deeper into Palestinian history beyond the commonly told narratives.