As the holiday season approaches, Netflix has made a bold move by releasing Squid Game: Unleashed for free, even to non-subscribers. This battle royale-inspired game, based on the hit Korean drama, is set to receive exciting new content to celebrate the release of Squid Game's second season. This strategic move is designed to attract non-users with enticing rewards that can be earned by watching the new episodes.

For those already immersed in the game, the update rolling out on January 3rd promises a fresh experience. A new map inspired by Mingle, a key mini-game from Squid Game season two, will be introduced. Alongside this, three new characters will make their debut throughout January: Geum-Ja, Yong-Sik, and Thanos (the rapper, not the Marvel villain). These characters will be available as playable avatars, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

Special in-game events are scheduled to unlock Geum-Ja and Thanos. Geum-Ja's Dalgona Mash Up Collection Event, starting on January 3rd and running until the 9th, challenges players to complete Mingle-inspired mini-games and collect Dalgona tins. Thanos will be introduced on January 9th with his Red Light Challenge event, where players must eliminate others using knives to earn this character, lasting until January 14th. Yong-Sik will join the game on January 16th, rounding out the new character additions for this update.

For Netflix subscribers, watching episodes of Squid Game season two offers additional in-game perks. Viewers can earn in-game Cash and Wild Tokens, and watching up to seven episodes unlocks the exclusive Binni Binge-Watcher outfit. This integration of the game with the show not only enhances the gaming experience but also encourages viewers to engage with the new season.

Game on - Here's what to expect in Squid Game: Unleashed this coming month:

• January 3rd: Introduction of the new Mingle map and Geum-Ja. The Dalgona Mash Up Collection Event runs until January 9th, involving Mingle-inspired mini-games and Dalgona tin collection.
• January 9th: Thanos joins the game with the Red Light Challenge event, running until January 14th, where players must eliminate others with knives to unlock him.
• January 16th: Yong-Sik becomes available as the final new character of this update.

The release of Squid Game: Unleashed and its integration with the show's second season marks a significant step for Netflix in the gaming industry. By offering the game for free and rewarding subscribers for watching the series, Netflix is cleverly using Squid Game: Unleashed to boost engagement with both the game and the show.