Netflix announced at The Game Awards event that it will offer its multiplayer mobile game “Squid Game: Unleashed” on Android and iOS platforms on December 17. Moreover, the game can be played without a Netflix subscription for a limited time. However, an exact time period for this “open to all” period has not been specified.
“Squid Game: Unleashed” allows players to compete with friends online in a series of mini-games. These games are either taken directly from the Squid Game series or are based on thematically similar “classic kids games” concepts. However, staying true to the series, a deadly dimension has been added to these games.
The game seems to have adopted a “party royale” format inspired by the Mario Party series. However, this inspiration may also be based on another previously released indie game, “Crab Game.” Crab Game, published in 2021 by indie developer Dani for Windows, macOS and Linux platforms, was a production that did not hide that it was inspired by the Squid Game series. Even its name clearly revealed this inspiration (note the crab/squid pun). This game, which initially presented Squid Game’s competitions in a cartoon style, later included competitions independent of the series.
Although Netflix’s new mobile game seems to be influenced by Crab Game, only the experience of the players will determine how similar or different the gameplay styles are. Looking at the promotional video, obvious similarities between the graphic style and game mechanics draw attention. However, this is only an impression from the introduction. Still, it can be considered a positive move for Netflix to develop its own game instead of suing the independent developers who inspired it.
Squid Game: Unleashed comes out just before the new season of the series
Squid Game: Unleashed stands out as a project that aims to promote the second season of the Squid Game series. The new season of the series will start airing on Netflix on December 26. The game will be available to Android and iOS users only via the Netflix application on December 17. In Netflix’s mobile game strategy, this game aims to both increase brand awareness and expand the gaming audience on the platform.