Squid Game: Unleashed is free to play, for everyone, including non-Netflix members

Squid Game: Unleashed, the upcoming battle royale based on the hit Korean drama, is officially free-to-play for everyone – Netflix subscribers and non-subscribers alike! This surprising announcement, made at the Big Geoff's Game Awards, is a clever move by Netflix, potentially boosting the game's popularity ahead of its December 17th launch.

The game's accessibility is a significant departure from the usual model for Netflix Games, a service often overlooked despite its quality. This free-for-all approach, however, demonstrates Netflix's ability to leverage its popular shows to promote its gaming division, especially with Squid Game season two on the horizon. Importantly, the game remains ad-free and without in-app purchases.

Many men wish death upon me

Squid Game: Unleashed offers a chaotic, violent take on games like Fall Guys or Stumble Guys. Players navigate minigames inspired by the original show, competing to be the last one standing and win a massive prize. The simplicity of the premise—survival of the fittest—is perfectly suited to the frenetic gameplay.

Netflix's strategic announcement at the Big Geoff's Game Awards, an event sometimes criticized for its broader media focus, cleverly intertwines the promotion of its flagship show with a major gaming launch. This bold move may well silence some of the previous criticisms, at least for the time being.