Palestinian Developer Raises Funds for Game on Nakba

Rasheed Abueideh, a Palestinian game developer known for his acclaimed title 'Liyla and the Shadows of War', has successfully raised over $200,000 for his new project 'Dreams on a Pillow', which explores the 1948 Nakba through the story of a young mother fleeing violence. Despite significant challenges in securing funding due to the controversial nature of his subject matter, Abueideh launched a crowdfunding campaign on LaunchGood, which exceeded its goal. The game aims to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians, particularly amidst the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have died amid conflict and displacement. The narrative revolves around a mother who, in her panic to escape, mistakenly takes a pillow instead of her child, symbolizing loss and trauma. Abueideh has received overwhelming support for this project, reflecting a growing interest in diverse and often overlooked narratives in the gaming world. As he continues to work from the West Bank, he emphasizes the need for storytelling that represents the Palestinian experience.