Warning: This article contains spoilers for Squid Game Season 2 .
As Squid Game Season 2's release loomed, a global frenzy ignited. In Australia, fans witnessed Pink Guards marching through transit hubs, standing stoically on boats in Sydney’s harbour, and even taking over Luna Park.

Their presence could definitely give off a slightly dystopian vibe. After all, in the show, these guards are responsible for ending the lives of hopeful participants just trying to earn some money.

If you haven't caught on yet, Squid Game is a gripping dystopian series that brings together a group of unlikely (and unfortunate) individuals who play childhood games for a minuscule chance at winning 45.6 billion South Korean won (₩). Spoiler alert: losing means immediate death for its players, but let's (try to) set that chilling detail aside. The focus here is on the ✨nostalgia✨ of it all!
The arrival of Season 2 triggered fresh debates online about how localized versions of Squid Game might unfold in different countries. Aussies, in particular, had plenty of ideas to share. Here are a few, ranging from quirky to traditional:
1. As per Kurt Sterling, instead of choosing between a lottery ticket and a pastry from the stylish recruiter in the first episode of Season 2, unsuspecting Aussies will face an even more difficult decision...

...Choosing between consuming 'healthy food' or downing 'the devil's juice' (aka bottled iced coffee). Now that's a well-balanced meal, right?

2. In another video, Kurt proposes that instead of recruiting contestants from train stations, the Australian Squid Game process involves making trips to local pubs, where they'd target eager slot machine players, desperate to hit the ~jackpot~. Or in this potential participant's case, waiting to claim '45.6 billion Korean Won.'


3. When it comes to Aussie mini-games, one Redditor suggested a unique challenge called 'Guess the Spider.' In this game, you must place your hand into one of two boxes filled with spiders. Sounds simple, right? Oh, and there's a 50% chance of being bitten by a venomous species.
Thankfully, this is all just a hypothetical scenario!

4. Another option that raises concerns is "Bloodsport" or "Bloodknuckles."
"The game involves sitting in a circle around a table while one player spins a coin in the center. Each player takes turns gently tapping the spinning coin. The player who finally stops the coin from spinning loses.
The loser then presses their fist on the table, exposing their knuckles. The opposing player then slides the coin across the table, aiming to strike the knuckles with it.
After several losses, the player's knuckles will be bleeding."
— u/__Pendulum__
5. How could anyone overlook "the beep test" — a standard physical education challenge where students must run back and forth between two points, all while keeping pace with a series of pre-recorded BEEPs that grow faster with each round — as a form of punishment?
— u/outsidecarmel
6. Apparently, the Australian twist on the viral Korean dalgona candy challenge is attempting to separate mosquito coils.


7. Popular choices included classic childhood games like "Duck, Duck, Goose", "Heads Down, Thumbs Up", "44 Home", "Egg And Spoon Race", and "Murder In The Dark", with the ultimate showdown being "What's The Time Mr. Wolf" (which is Australia’s version of "Red Light, Green Light").

8. One Redditor didn’t have many ideas on which games should be included but was certain that they would "definitely be played in 40-degree heat".

9. One of my favorite game ideas comes from Michelle Braiser: "Goon of Fortune" — an Aussie party classic where a bag of wine is tied to a Hills Hoist/rotating clothesline.
TikTok @michellebraiser / Via tiktok.com10. Aussie Squid Game catering options include: "Meat pie or sausage roll", said u/Ok_Monitor5712 (with the high likelihood of the food being served in children's party portions).

11. It's either that or a good ol' Bunnings sausage sizzle.
Twitter: @MinHoesBigtoe12. Lastly, to replace the 45.6 billion Korean Won prize, Australian Squid Game players will participate in incredibly intense challenges for a chance to win "a granny flat". Considering the soaring property prices, it could actually be a prize of similar worth.
Twitter: @neils888What would you love to see in your local Squid Game competition (excluding the deadly parts)?
Drop your ideas in the comments below.
