WhenSquid Gamefirst exploded in popularity, many fans quickly noticed its similarities to classic Japanese survival game manga and anime. There are obvious echoes ofBattle RoyaleandLiar Gamein the show’s premise, making fans wonder just how deep the connection went. While some accused creator Hwang Dong-hyuk of borrowing too much from existing works, he acknowledged the influence, admitting he had drawn inspiration from Japanese comics while crafting his own unique story.
Rather than deny the similarities,Hwang embraced them, explaining in an interview withvariety.comthat his real-life struggles shaped the series just as much as the manga he read. His financial hardships in 2008 led him to spend time in cafés readingBattle RoyaleandLiar Game, both of which center around high-stakes games with life-or-death consequences. But while those stories relied on intricate puzzles and elaborate death matches, Hwang wanted something simpler and more personal, turning childhood games into a terrifying test of survival.
The Influence of Battle Royale and Liar Game on Squid Game
How Classic Manga Influenced One of Netflix’s Biggest Shows
It is impossible to talk aboutSquid Gamewithout mentioningBattle Royale,a manga and novel that popularized the survival game genre. The story follows high school students forced to kill each other on an isolated island, with only one survivor in the end. The themes of desperation, social commentary, and brutal violence feel eerily familiar when compared toSquid Game. The biggest difference was thatBattle Royalepits young people against one another unwillingly, whileSquid Gamerecruits desperate adults who choose to participate. This twist makesSquid Gamemore of a critique on economic disparity than just a game of survival.
Squid Game Season 3: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know
The smash-hit Korean series Squid Game finally returned to Netflix for its second season in late 2024, and season 3 is already confirmed too.
Liar Game,on the other hand, shares themes withSquid Gamedifferently. Instead of physical violence,it focuses on psychological manipulation, forcing players into high-stakes games where deceit and strategy determine their fate. Much likeSquid Game, contestants enter due to financial desperation, and the games test not just their intelligence but their moral compass. The presence of debt-ridden characters, secret alliances, and the ever-present threat of betrayal all feel directly inspired byLiar Game, proving Hwang’s influences run deep.
How Squid Game Became Its Own Story
Despite Its Manga Roots, Squid Game Made A Name for Itself
Despite its clear influences,Squid Gamestands apart by grounding its horror in childhood nostalgia. Unlike the intricate strategies ofLiar Gameor the merciless free-for-all ofBattle Royale, Hwang opted for the simplicity of children’s playground games turned into deadly trials. This not only made the show more relatable to audiences worldwide but also added an emotional layer, forcing characters to face innocence twisted into horror. By making the rules straightforward,Squid Gamelets its themes of inequality, desperation, and moral dilemmas shine through.
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Stick to the Team
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Red Light, Green Light
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Another big factor is howSquid Gameframes its participants. InBattle Royale, the students have no choice but to fight, and inLiar Game, players are often tricked into participating., even returning after seeing the deadly stakes. This decision transforms the series into more than just survival horror. It becomes a critique of capitalism and human desperation, showing how people trapped in poverty will risk everything for a slim chance at escape.Squid Gamemay owe much to its manga predecessors, but it ultimately stands as a unique and chilling masterpiece in its own right.
Squid Game
Cast
Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.
