How Squid Game: Unleashed Transformed Dark Source into Skillful Fun

At Gamescom 2024, Boss Fight and Netflix Games made a grand debut with Squid Game: Unleashed. The team behind this 32-player battle-meets-party game resurfaced at The Game Awards 2024, announcing that the game will be accessible to everyone, even without a Netflix subscription. It arrives on December 17, with Squid Game season 2 premiering on December 26.

Experience the Dark Humor of Squid Game in a Video Game

Gameplay and Challenges

In the Squid Game TV show, characters plunge into deadly situations without knowing the game rules. But in video game form, players have the chance to face these challenges repeatedly and improve with each attempt. As game director Bill Jackson said during a video call, "In that world where everybody's playing, you actually can get better and move up through a ladder, and get a next league, and move up to better competition. Or you can be a casual player and just kind of hang out and not worry about that. And it is really up to you. So it is still for everyone."This allows players to choose their own gaming experience, whether they want to strive for the top or simply enjoy the game at their own pace.

Art Style and Aesthetics

While Squid Game is known for its gore, the video game adopts a somewhat cartoonish aesthetic to ease the impact. As Jackson explained, "You don't want to create a world where players don't want to be. You want a place where they want to be. So that started to lean us towards a more stylistic art style. And yes, we did have some earlier darker versions of that art style that were nixed as we worked through the problem."This art style gives the game a unique look while still maintaining the essence of Squid Game.

Game Adaptations

Unleashed includes deadly schoolyard games from the first season of Squid Game. Some games are familiar to show viewers, while others have been adapted for the video game format. For example, the Dalgona game takes on a different form. As Jackson said, "What we do is, we inspire a level by that one. And with Dalgona, you're kind of skating the shape out on a level. And then you fall through. It's cool."There are also completely new games that combine childhood experiences with a brutal penalty for mistakes.

Season 2 and Collaboration

The team has created levels based on Squid Game season 2, but players don't need to worry about spoilers. Jackson assured that Unleashed won't release that content until after season 2 goes live on the series side. "A week after season 2 goes live on the series side, there's going to be season 2 games in our game."This direct communication with the Squid Game team during the development process ensures a seamless integration of the two. The developers are collaborating with the actual creators and marketing team to understand how everything will fit together when the game is launched.