It’s only a matter of time until Squid Game receives some kind of video game adaptation. In lieu of an official product or in-game cross promotions, fans of the show have come up with their own ways to display their love for the Netflix drama with self-imposed challenges and custom-made Fortnite maps. YouTuber Mr. Beast has suggested even recreating Squid Game in real-life (minus the murder, hopefully).
Given how Squid Game’s popularity has only exploded relatively recently and how long game development takes, an official video game tie-in is unlikely to release any time soon (technically it could, but then it’d be a rushed product and probably not very good). Only recently, insider Tom Henderson claimed that a Squid Game type video game is in development, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will use the Squid Game license. It could just offer a similar concept to attract players.
However, it sounds as if Netflix is at least considering turning Squid Game into a video game. The company has filed a general trademark for Squid Game which, according to the listing on the World Intellectual Property Organization website, covers almost everything from books, stickers, and clothing to bakeware, Christmas tree ornaments, and video game software.
While this is by no means a hard confirmation, Netflix clearly wants all its bases covered and is no doubt planning to make the most of Squid Game’s success by producing merchandise. A video game still seems very likely though considering Netflix has recently been making a big push into the gaming space.
Games based on its shows like Stranger Things already exist, but now Netflix is planning to set up its own gaming service, allowing users to download titles directly through the streaming service. It’s even bought out Night School Studios, the developer behind the upcoming Oxenfree 2. If Netflix is hoping to make a meaningful impact in this industry, a Squid Game video game sounds like a no-brainer.
The show’s very concept lends itself well to being turned into a video game. For anyone unfamiliar with the show, Squid Game’s premise sees 456 people who are in debt participate in children’s games to win a grand prize. It’s like a bloodier version of Fall Guys since to lose means death. With the battle-royale genre still very popular, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Netflix create its own alternative to something like Fall Guys or Fortnite.
At the time of writing, there’s no official word on whether Squid Game will receive a second season. But that feels almost inevitable as well, especially since it would help maximize Netflix’s profits on any and all Squid Game merchandise.
Squid Game is available on Netflix.