Published: October 9, 2023, 10:40h.
Last updated: October 9, 2023, 10:40h.
Netflix has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Light & Wonder, a leading slot machine manufacturer and distributor, marking its entry into the US gaming industry.
The Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the premier convention for the US gaming industry, has officially started at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. Presented by the American Gaming Association, the four-day event aims to promote innovation and drive growth in the industry.
Light & Wonder, formerly known as Scientific Games, has recently partnered with Netflix to utilize the popular “Squid Game” series title.
Based on a survival drama, “Squid Game” features characters in financial distress participating in high-stakes games for a chance to win a significant prize.
Since its release on Netflix in September 2021, “Squid Game” has become the most-watched series on the platform, with over 1.65 billion hours of streaming. It has surpassed other popular titles like “One Piece,” “Stranger Things: Season 4,” “Wednesday,” and “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”
This partnership marks Netflix‘s entry into the gaming industry, demonstrating their commitment to expanding their reach.
Introducing “Death Not On the Line”
Light & Wonder has unveiled their new “Squid Game” branded slot machine at G2E. The machine, housed in the “Horizon” large-screen jumbo cabinet, features adaptations of the series’ iconic games, such as “Red Light, Green Light,” “Tug of War,” and “The Glass Tile.” Initially, the slot machine will be deployed in commercial and tribal casinos across the US, with plans for a digital version in the future. The gameplay includes three bonus rounds inspired by the show.
Matt Wilson, CEO of Light & Wonder, commented, “We’ve seen how combining fan-favorite shows with immersive gameplay can resonate with audiences both digitally and on casino floors.”
The “Squid Game” slots are expected to be available in casinos next year, offering a jackpot of up to $400,000, dependent on individual casino configurations.
An Ideal Partnership
With its high-stakes competition, “Squid Game” perfectly aligns with the gambling world, where characters bet their lives for wealth.
The show’s main character, Seong Gi-hun, also known as Player 456, is a former assembly worker and chauffeur who embarks on the “Squid Game” to improve his financial situation. Another key character, Jang Deok-su or Player 101, is a ruthless gangster seeking to settle his significant gambling debts.
Netflix is currently developing a reality series based on “Squid Game,” where 456 players will compete for a $4.56 million cash prize. The show is scheduled to premiere on the Netflix streaming platform next month.