Summary
Squid Gamewas a surprising hit for Netflix, so it makes sense for them to squeeze every dollar out of it. However, their latest brand deal seems to completely disregard the message of the series.
Squid Gameis a Korean thriller drama produced byNetflixabout a deadly game show where contestants compete for ₩45.6 billion (about $38 million). The show was a worldwide phenomenon, bringing in millions for Netflix, and was immediately greenlit for a second season. Additionally,Mr. Beast created his own version ofSquid Gamethat was less deadly.
Recently, it was announced that Netflix will partner withLight & Wonderto make a slot machine that isSquid Gamethemed. This is Netflix’s first brand deal with the casino and gambling industry. The slot machine will incorporate a few ofthe games seen inSquid Game, including Red Light, Green Light; Tug of War; and the Glass Tile. The top prize will start anywhere between $200,000 and $400,000 depending on how casinos decide to configure it. The slot machine is expected to roll out to casino floors in 2024. Light & Wonder will also release a digital version of theSquid Game-themed slot machine.
Netflix has moreSquid Gamecontent and promotions on the way.Squid Gameseason 2 is still in development. Netflix also has a competition show calledSquid Game: The Challenge, where 456 contestants from around the world will compete for $4.56 million, the largest cash prize by any game show, in games based on the original series. However, reports claimed theSquid Gamereality show contestants were in unsafe conditions. Additionally, Netflix is also having a pop-up event in L.A. where fans can pay $39 to compete in six different challenges over the course of 70 minutes.
What is so strange and ironic about theseSquid Gamepromotions is that the original show was about how desperate these contestants are that they are willing to risk their lives for this cash prize. Then, when Netflix decides to recreate the game show from the series, contestants end up getting injured. Now Netflix decides to make its first brand deal with the casino and gambling industry, and the main character ofSquid Gamehas a crippling gambling addiction that drives him to compete in a horrific competition.
Netflix produced a wonderful series that was widely popular, but they continue to overlook some of the mostimportant messages inSquid Game. Netflix should be able to make promotional deals with their projects that don’t completely contradict the show’s messages.
