Every Odd Similarity Between Squid Game Season 3 And Beast Games

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Contains spoilers for “Squid Game” Season 3

Just like ‘Squid Game’, the show ‘Beast Games’ involves the wealthy and influential designing sinister games for financially struggling individuals to participate in. While it might seem an extreme comparison, it’s important to note that ‘Beast Games’ has a questionable aspect that could make even the high-society patrons of ‘Squid Game’ feel uncomfortable.

It’s evident that MrBeast has a strong appreciation for the South Korean Netflix series, specifically “Squid Game”. Shortly after its debut in 2021, he released a YouTube video where he replicated the show (excluding the violent aspects). The games played were identical to those on the show, ranging from Red Light, Green Light to tug-of-war. This was an apparent effort to cash in on the show’s popularity. However, MrBeast later introduced his own response to “Squid Game” with “Beast Games”, a reality competition series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video at the end of 2024. In essence, “Beast Games” involves games, brain teasers, and contestants backstabbing each other, making it not too dissimilar to “Squid Game”.

Intriguingly, with “Squid Game” Season 3 set to premiere only a few months following the conclusion of “Beast Games”, it’s worth exploring the points of intersection between these two series. Here, I outline the various parallels between Squid Game Season 3 and Beast Games Season 1.

Both shows display the dark side of humanity and sportsmanship

It’s no surprise that many individuals are finding it tough to cover everyday essentials these days. The idea of winning tens of millions of dollars and achieving financial security is a cherished aspiration for most who aren’t already wealthy. In the case of “Beast Games,” a whopping $5 million was initially offered to the winner, making it the biggest cash prize in reality TV history. However, after one participant dared to bet on a coin toss, the grand prize was doubled to an astonishing $10 million! With such a massive sum at stake, some contestants aren’t always keen on playing by the rules.

In ‘Squid Game’, unethical behavior has been present since the beginning, but it escalates dramatically in Season 3. Myung-gi (Im Si-wan) and Nam-gyu (Roh Jae-won) excessively kill participants during a game of hide-and-seek, thinning the crowd unnecessarily. During the jump rope challenge, players shove one another off the platform. If it weren’t for Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae)’s intervention, Player 096 (Lee Suk) wouldn’t have allowed anyone else to reach the finish line. With lives at stake, many participants display a surprising willingness to take others’ lives.

In ‘Beast Games’, competitors may go to great lengths to gain an edge, though not to the same extreme. For instance, in Episode 4, a contestant attempted to confuse others by randomly shouting numbers during a challenge where players had to drop a ball as close to zero as possible. Although this tactic wasn’t technically cheating, it was viewed as unsportsmanlike and didn’t endear her to other participants. Both shows allow such actions, even if they disadvantage many other players in the process.

Both shows love the trolley problem

The central dilemma posed by the Trolley Problem is: Who deserves to be spared? If you encounter a situation where two distinct groups of people are bound to separate train tracks, how should you maneuver the train to minimize harm? While some might argue that directing the train towards the smallest group of individuals is the best course of action, things become more complex when family or friends are involved on either side. This could lead you to unintentionally cause more deaths while trying to save a loved one. Interestingly enough, the Trolley Problem is a favorite among shows like “Squid Game” and “Beast Games,” each presenting it in their unique ways.

In “Squid Game” Season 3, the jump rope contest is set on train tracks reminiscent of the moral dilemma known as the trolley problem. The character played by Lee Byung-hun, known as the Front Man, presents Gi-hun with a difficult choice: sacrifice the remaining players to save himself and a newborn baby. The series raises an uncomfortable question that many would rather avoid: How much is the life of one or more people worth if it means saving an infant who hasn’t yet started their life?

It’s not surprising that “Beast Games” tackles its trolley problem allegory in a straightforward manner. In episode 7 of this reality show, MrBeast presents participants with real dilemmas on train tracks. For instance, one challenge requires a player to choose between saving three other contestants or keeping a Lamborghini for themselves. Many viewers find it understandable that he chooses the car in such a situation. The trolley problems become progressively harder as MrBeast deliberately puts players’ friends on the train tracks, testing their willingness to save them.

Players with sick children win out

Instead of desiring millions of dollars for personal luxuries, the desire in these shows, such as “Squid Game” and “Beast Games,” often stems from a more selfless goal: providing financial assistance for their child’s wellbeing. Characters enter these dangerous games to gather money for medical treatment, research, or other necessities, showcasing an inherently altruistic intention.

In the second season of “Squid Game,” I find myself introducing Park Gyeong-seok, portrayed by Lee Jin-wook. His precious daughter is battling blood cancer, and with no other options, he bravely stepped into the games to finance her life-saving treatments. One of the game’s guards, No-eul, played by Park Gyu-young, learns about his family situation and, in a compassionate twist, helps him fake his death and escape the island. This way, his daughter wouldn’t have to bear the loss of her father.

As fate would have it, Player 246 manages to survive, making him one of the two survivors by the end of “Squid Game” Season 3. In a heartwarming turn of events, though, it was his child who ultimately saved his life. He aimed to help her, but in the end, she became his savior.

Jeffrey Allen, the victor from the initial season of “Beast Games,” competed on the show due to his son’s condition, Creatine Transporter Deficiency. He aimed to secure the prize money to fund research and potentially discover a cure in the future. It’s uncertain if he gained an advantage since many viewers didn’t learn about his personal situation until later into the series. Given the frequent elements of chance in the games, Allen could have been eliminated at any moment. However, those who came to know him, either on the show or as spectators, found themselves supporting him because of his moving backstory. In both instances, a contestant with noble intentions ultimately triumphed, providing a refreshing change from the usual scheming.

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2025-06-27 22:30