Squid Game season 2 is almost upon us and the phenomenon is not just back; it’s here to take over the global pop culture in every way conceivable. The conversation is not just limited to the actual show, but the related merchandise and collaborations and brands, big and small, are trying to cash in on the madness. Here is everything you need to know about the major Squid Game season 2 collaborations.
Squid Game season 1 premiered in 2021 and almost immediately (though not exactly immediately as it took a while for it to build an audience) took the world by storm. I remember at one time, it was the only topic of conversation at friends or family gatherings. It had everything — solid writing, worldbuilding, and an eerie fusion of childhood games and fatal consequences.
But it was not merely entertainment. This Lee Jung-jae starrer was also a searing commentary on the socio-economic systems that underpin modern capitalist societies (which are, sadly, most of the countries in the world today). It wasn’t certainly subtle. But it got the point across. It harrowingly portrayed individuals being forced into a game of life and death. The winner gets to take home a lot of money, but everyone else dies. This is capitalism but with no illusions.
Three years on, looking back, the influence of the show has been remarkable. It did not only reshape the global television landscape in many ways but also the wider culture as a whole. It inspired a (ill-thought, some say) reality series called Squid Game: The Challenge, a mockumentary, and an English-language remake by none other than David Fincher. The latter two are still in development.
Anyhoo, without further ado, let’s jump right into the biggest Squid Game collaborations.
Squid Game season 2: The biggest collaborations you need to know
Crocs
It often tends to slip our mind that Crocs is a company, and not only the quirky, rubbery (and relentlessly mocked) footwear. Thanks to Squid Game, you can add the limited-edition Squid Game Classic Clogs to your Crocs collection. The clogs were inspired by the green tracksuits that the contestants in the show wear. The footwear features Jibbitz charms about the characters and the in-universe reality series. Prices start from USD 69.99 (INR 5,944.09).
You can buy the crocs here.
Knorr’s Korean ramen
Popular Unilever-owned food and beverage brand Knorr has come up with its range of Korean ramen. It comes in three flavours: Spicy Gochujang Chicken, Spicy Kimchi Veg Meal, and Spicy Jjajangmyeon Veg Meal. The tagline reads, “Dare to slurp.” You can watch the video advertisement above.
Hanumankind’s “The Game Don’t Stop”
If you are tired of brand collaborations already, this might be a breath of fresh air for you. Rapper Sooraj Cherukat, better known as Hanumankind, along with Kalmi and Parimal Shais has come up with an anthem for Squid Game fans in India. TItled “The Game Don’t Stop”, the song has razor-sharp lyrics and catchy beats (the song begins with the show’s theme) that are familiar with Hanumankind’s work. You can listen to the song above. It is certainly one of the most exciting among Squid Game season 2 collaborations.
Puma brings Squid Game’s tracksuits to life
Puma is stepping into the Squid Game universe in a big way, and no, there’s no giant doll to scare you into buying. This time, the iconic tracksuit is getting a makeover, and the brand is turning the spotlight on its T7 design, which will now be worn by the contestants in Squid Game Season 2.
Inspired by all the wild moments and unforgettable characters from the show, Puma’s new collab also includes limited-edition Suede and Easy Rider sneakers, each packed with sneaky Easter eggs for the true fans. The prices kick off at USD 42.46 (INR 3,605.68).
Check out the collection here.
About you
About You, one of Europe’s largest online fashion marketplaces has dropped a collection that fuses laid-back Y2K streetwear with a dash of dark grunge and tech-inspired vibes — straight out of Squid Game season 2. If you’ve been looking to add a bold edge to your wardrobe, this is your chance to channel that high-stakes, survival drama energy into your style. The exclusive collection hits AboutYou.com on December 13, with prices ranging from EUR 25.90 (INR 2,311.01) to EUR 89.90 (INR 8,021.60). No need to play games — just get ready to level up your fashion.
Check out the collection here. Just type “Squid Game” in the search bar.
Call of Duty
One of the biggest first-person shooter video game franchises in history will bring Squid Game right to your monitors. New content will be added to both Black Ops 6 and Warzone. A teaser is already available. It doesn’t reveal anything, but it is interesting nonetheless. We do know we will be able to turn our operators akin to the guards in the show. Watch it above.
Duolingo
The popular language learning platform has also collaborated with Netflix for Squid Game season 2. We all know the popularity of the show’s season 1 resulted in a 40 per cent increase in learners interested in the Korean language. And now the company’s “Learn Korean or Else” campaign allows the fans of the show to learn 40 Squid Game-specific phrases through Duolingo’s Korean course.
Watch Squid Game season 2 when it is out on 26 December on Netflix.
(Hero and featured image: Courtesy of Netflix)
