Since Squid Game took the world by storm, fans have speculated about how the brutal survival competition could play out in different countries. With Netflix already expanding the franchise with Squid Game: The Challenge and hints of future projects, it’s worth considering where other versions could thrive. From unique cultural games to historical influences, here are some of the best locations for a Squid Game spinoff.
Japan – The Land of Deadly Games
Japan’s deep-rooted history of game shows, anime, and dystopian fiction makes it an ideal setting. With classics like Battle Royale and Alice in Borderland, Japan has already explored high-stakes survival themes. Traditional games like Daruma-san ga Koronda (similar to Red Light, Green Light) and Kagome Kagome (a blindfolded guessing game) could add a local touch to the deadly competition.
United States – Capitalist Nightmare Fuel
The U.S. is no stranger to economic disparity, making it a fitting place for Squid Game. With a melting pot of childhood games like Tag, Simon Says, and Hopscotch, there’s plenty of material for twisted variations. A U.S. version could also lean into themes of corporate greed and reality TV culture, where contestants knowingly sign up for a deadly game show.
United Kingdom – A Game of Class Warfare
The UK’s rigid class system and historical divide could add a unique layer to Squid Game. Popular British childhood games like British Bulldog, Conkers, and What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf? could be reimagined as deadly challenges. A UK version could also incorporate a sinister take on classic pub games, making for a gripping survival series.
India – Tradition Meets High Stakes
India’s vibrant culture and widespread economic inequality would make Squid Game even more poignant. Games like Kabaddi, Kho Kho, and Lattu (spinning top battles) could be turned into strategic survival tests. The show could also explore themes of caste dynamics and wealth disparity, bringing an emotional depth to the cutthroat competition.
Brazil – Favelas, Football, and Survival
Brazil’s economic disparity, passion for games, and urban survival stories could create a powerful Squid Game spinoff. Classic games like Luta de Galo (rooster fight) and Queimada (Brazilian dodgeball) could be adapted into intense survival challenges. With the backdrop of Rio’s favelas and a corrupt elite pulling the strings, a Brazilian Squid Game could be one of the most compelling versions.
South Africa – A Story of Division and Resilience
With its history of apartheid, economic struggle, and cultural diversity, South Africa would be an intense setting for Squid Game. Games like Morabaraba (a strategic board game) and Diketo (a reflex-based game) could be used for deadly trials. The series could explore the country’s wealth disparity and complex racial history, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Russia – The Ultimate Survival Test
Russia’s harsh winters and history of endurance make it a terrifyingly good setting for Squid Game. Childhood games like Gorodki (a bowling-like game) and Raz, Dva, Tri! (a variation of Red Light, Green Light) could become deadly challenges. The show could also incorporate themes of political corruption and survival under an authoritarian regime.
With Netflix expanding its global content, a Squid Game spinoff in any of these countries could capture unique cultural elements while keeping the core themes of desperation and survival intact. Each location brings its own history, childhood games, and societal struggles that could make for a gripping adaptation. The real question is—who will be the next to play?
