Squid Games and Beast Games

If someone told you a few years ago that a childhood game like “Red Light, Green Light” could turn into an adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-your-seat survival drama, you might have laughed. Yet, thanks to Netflix’s Squid Game and the Prime Video’s sensation Beast Games, we’ve entered an era where innocent games are rebranded as cutthroat competitions. But here’s the kicker: while Squid Game is pure fiction, Beast Games dishes out real money—and hilarity—to its contestants.

Let’s break down what makes these two global phenomena tick, and how their essence reflects deeper truths about our society and even education.

1. Squid Game vs. Beast Games: The Stakes

-In Squid Game, the stakes were astronomical: 45.6 billion Korean Won (about $31 million). Sounds like Monopoly money, right? But it was deadly serious for the debt-ridden contestants.
– Meanwhile, Beast Games offers a more modest $5 million pot, but here’s the twist—it’s real money, not a dystopian fiction. No life-or-death choices, just players laughing and sweating through rounds of rock-paper-scissors.

2. Money Talks, but What Does It Say?

As one wise philosopher quipped:

“Money doesn’t change people; it merely amplifies what’s already there.”

In both games, money isn’t just currency; it’s a magnifier. The contestants’ desperation, greed, hope, and resilience come into full view. It’s a reminder that financial stress isn’t just about numbers—it’s about emotions, relationships, and dreams.

3. Fun and Fear: Why We Can’t Look Away

⦁ Squid Game thrives on fear. The games strip contestants down to their primal instincts. Every wrong move equals elimination (and not the fun kind).
⦁ Beast Games, on the other hand, combines wit, humour, and nostalgia, letting players rediscover the joy of childhood games. Think of it as Mr. Beast hosting a game show – you’d laugh so hard you might trip on your way to the finish line.

4. What Education Can Learn from These Games

Both shows remind us of two key lessons:

⦁ Human Emotions Drive Success: Whether it’s fear of failure or joy of winning, emotions are the ultimate motivators. At Golden Sparrow’s Online and Micro School, we believe education should stir emotions—curiosity, resilience, and a hunger for solutions.
⦁ Simple Games Teach Big Lessons: Like Squid Game’s checkers-like “Dalgona” or Beast Games’ “rock-paper-scissors,” life skills often come from seemingly simple activities. Our school emphasizes hands-on learning through SDGs, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship.

5. Golden Sparrow’s Take on Life

At Golden Sparrow, we’re turning the tables on conventional education. Our students aren’t just studying—they’re solving global challenges through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learning to navigate life with resilience, and even running their own micro-enterprises.

Our motto?

“Education isn’t a game, but it sure can be fun!”

With programs tailored for Open Schooling and experiential learning, we ensure that students not only dream big but have the skills to make those dreams a reality.

About the Author
Dr. Dawood Vaid is an award-winning educator and the visionary behind Golden Sparrow Academy. With a knack for turning everyday challenges into learning moments, he believes the future belongs to those who embrace life with wit, wisdom, and wonder. When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him exploring new ways to make learning meaningful—and occasionally cracking jokes that leave his students in splits.

So, the next time you hear about Squid Game or Beast Games, remember: life’s biggest lessons often come from the simplest sources. And at Golden Sparrow Academy, we’re all about learning through life – minus the dystopia!