Squid Games Collides with Reality: Netflix's Ironic Brand Deal Sparks Controversy

Highlights

Squid Game's success has led to Netflix partnering with Light & Wonder to create a casino slot machine, disregarding the show's message about desperate contestants.

Netflix's decision to produce a reality show based on Squid Game, a high-risk game that leads to injuries, contradicts the dangerous nature of the original concept.

Furthermore, it is ironic that Netflix, with its brand partnership with the gambling industry, supports a character struggling with gambling addiction in the series, thus disregarding the significant messages conveyed by the show.

Netflix's Squid Game was an unexpected success, prompting the streaming giant to capitalize on its popularity. However, their recent brand partnership appears to overlook the show's underlying message.

Squid Game, a thrilling Korean drama produced by Netflix, revolves around a high-stakes game show where participants vie for a whopping ₩45.6 billion (approximately $38 million). This globally acclaimed series not only garnered substantial profits for Netflix but also secured the green light for a second season. Furthermore, notable YouTuber Mr. Beast devised a less perilous rendition of Squid Game.

Recently, it was announced that Netflix has partnered with Light & Wonder in order to create a Squid Game-themed slot machine. This marks Netflix's first venture into the casino and gambling industry for brand deals. Incorporating a selection of games from Squid Game such as Red Light, Green Light; Tug of War; and the Glass Tile, the slot machine will offer a top prize ranging from $200,000 to $400,000, depending on the configuration chosen by individual casinos. Anticipated for release onto casino floors in 2024, Light & Wonder will also introduce a digital version of the Squid Game-themed slot machine.

Netflix has exciting plans for more Squid Game content and promotions in the works, including the highly anticipated season 2. In addition, they have introduced a thrilling competition called Squid Game: The Challenge, where participants from all over the world will vie for a jaw-dropping $4.56 million cash prize, making it the largest ever offered by a game show. However, there have been reports suggesting that the contestants on the reality show faced unsafe conditions. Moreover, Netflix is hosting a special pop-up event in L.A., providing fans with the opportunity to engage in six different challenges over a span of 70 minutes for a fee of $39.

The intriguing aspect of these Squid Game promotions lies in the irony and strangeness. The original series depicted contestants so desperate for financial gain that they were willing to jeopardize their lives. Yet, when Netflix decides to bring the game show to life, the contestants end up suffering injuries. Moreover, it is notable that Netflix has forged its first collaboration with the casino and gambling industry, while the main character of Squid Game battles a crippling gambling addiction that drives him to partake in a horrific competition.

Netflix has created a highly acclaimed and immensely popular series, yet it seems that they are disregarding certain crucial messages conveyed in Squid Game. It is essential for Netflix to establish promotional agreements for their projects that align with, rather than contradict, the show's core principles. Stream Squid Game season 1 exclusively on Netflix.

Source: Light & Wonder