What Netflix’s Squid Game would be like if it was in Singapore

Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama released on Sep 17 by Netflix. Participants are invited to play games and stand a chance to win 45.6 billion South Korean won (S$52 million), but there is a twist: Those eliminated will be killed instead. 

Gruesome yet entertaining, Squid Game portrays betrayal, guilt and how far humanity would go to survive. This M18 series has nine episodes and quickly became first on Singapore’s top 10 list. 

But what if Squid Game took place in Singapore? 

Once players were brought to the gaming arena, they were tasked to play certain childhood games. This is what Singapore’s Squid Game would feature.

Block catching has to be included as the rules are simple to understand. In addition to its simplicity, most Singaporeans would have played it before as a kid. Teams are formed and you are either the prey or predator. It’s just like a game of tag, but at a HDB block. . 

From creating ruckus to neighbours to secretly hiding in your house even though it is against the rules, plenty of childhood memories are associated with this physical game. It is also a game that tests your stamina, speed and teamwork, making it perfect for Squid Game. 

Country eraser is mainly popular among primary school students. More than just a collection, these erasers have been through many ‘battles’ and trades. 

The goal of this game is to flick your eraser to land above your opponent’s. Winner keeps the erasers. It may sound simple, but country eraser requires proper techniques and focus for a winner to emerge. With the added pressure of putting your life on the line, every move you make has to be a calculated one.

Before all the mobile and online games, kids used to spend their days after school playing these with friends and family. Some of these card games require speed and focus while some require critical thinking. For all we know, these games are more than just luck-based. 

With all these uniquely Singaporean games most of us grew up with, Squid Game here would be competitive, each of us doing what we can to survive. 

Which character would you be – the helper, the betrayer, or the one who sacrifices? None of us have received an invitation card, so until then, let’s just dream on.