Activision has launched the Squid Game Event Pass for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, featuring thematic rewards linked to the Netflix series. Players are discussing its pricing and implications for future monetization strategies, expressing concerns about microtransactions and the impact on gameplay experience.
The event introduces new gameplay dynamics and aligns with the release of Squid Game Season 2, creating a marketing synergy. This crossover exemplifies the trend of transmedia storytelling, aiming to engage audiences and provide immersive experiences beyond traditional gaming. Player feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise.
Squid Game Invades Call of Duty: What You Need to Know
What is the Squid Game Crossover Event?
A big crossover event is coming to Call of Duty. It mixes the popular Netflix show Squid Game with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone. This event ties in with the release of Squid Game Season 2. It brings new ways to play, cool rewards, and themed items to the game.
What Game Modes Will Be Available?
The event adds limited-time modes (LTMs) to Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone. These modes take ideas from the show. Imagine playing Red Light, Green Light in Call of Duty. That is the kind of fun they are adding. Exact details of all the modes are still coming out, but expect familiar Squid Game challenges.
What Rewards Can Players Earn?
You can earn special items during the event. One of the best rewards is a “Front Man” Operator skin. You can also get a Cleaver melee weapon. These items let you show off your Squid Game style in the game.
What Bundles Will Be Available?
If you want even more Squid Game gear, three themed Bundles will be sold. These bundles will contain more cosmetic items, like weapon blueprints, calling cards, and emblems. The prices for these bundles have not been announced yet.
When Does the Event Start and End?
The Squid Game event runs for most of January 2025. It starts on January 3rd and ends on January 24th. This gives players three weeks to enjoy the new content and get the rewards.
Quick Facts About the Squid Game Crossover
| Event Name | Game Modes | Key Rewards | Event Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squid Game Crossover | Limited-Time Modes (LTMs) in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone | “Front Man” Operator skin, Cleaver melee weapon | January 3rd to January 24th, 2025 |
How Does This Impact Call of Duty and Squid Game Fans?
This crossover is exciting for fans of both Call of Duty and Squid Game. It mixes the action of Call of Duty with the tense moments of Squid Game. This can bring new players to both franchises. It is a smart way to keep players interested and offer new content.
Looking Back at Other Call of Duty Crossovers
Call of Duty has a history of doing crossovers. They have worked with other movies, TV shows, and even musicians. These events often bring new players and keep the game fresh. The Squid Game event is one of the biggest crossovers yet. It shows how Call of Duty is trying to reach a wider audience.
Other Ways to Enjoy Squid Game
If you like Squid Game, you can watch the first season and get ready for the second season on Netflix. There are also many games and merchandise based on the show. This crossover in Call of Duty is just another way to enjoy the world of Squid Game.
What About Other Call of Duty Events?
Call of Duty often has events throughout the year. These can include holiday events, new season launches, and special challenges. These events offer new content, rewards, and ways to play. Keep an eye out for more events in the future. They keep the game interesting and give players something new to do.
Short Summary:
- The Squid Game Event Pass runs from January 3 to January 24, 2025, featuring a range of exclusive in-game rewards.
- Players voiced mixed reactions over the Event Pass price of 1,100 Call of Duty Points ($10), stirring debates around microtransactions.
- New game modes inspired by the series include limited-time multiplayer events like Red Light, Green Light and Pentathlon.
The launch of the Squid Game Event Pass in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone has not only introduced players to a richly designed experience inspired by the acclaimed Netflix show, but it has also opened the door to heated discussions about microtransactions in gaming. This special event pass, available from January 3 to January 24, 2025, offers a blend of free and premium rewards that players can unlock by earning XP through various modes in the game.
The Event Pass features a mix of items including unique operator skins, weapon blueprints, and other themed cosmetics. From instant rewards like the “Player 006” operator skin for Niran to higher-tier items such as the “Front Man” operator, players can navigate through the Free and Premium Tracks to claim their prizes. Notably, the Squid Game Event Pass costs 1,100 Call of Duty Points, approximately equivalent to $10 USD, a price point that many player reviews have critiqued compared to previous offerings, like the seasonal battle pass.
Event Details:
The Squid Game Event Pass is divided into two tracks: a Free Track, accessible to all players, and a Premium Track, which players can unlock by spending Call of Duty Points. Here’s a look at the rewards structure:
Rewards Overview:
| FREE TRACK REWARDS | PREMIUM TRACK REWARDS | XP REQUIRED |
|---|---|---|
| “Player 006” operator skin for Niran | “High Authority” blueprint with tracers for XM4 | Instant reward |
| “Tic-Tac-Die” loading screen | “Fetched” blueprint for Knife | 6,000 XP |
| “Squid Game” emblem | “Roped In” finishing move | 14,000 XP |
| Double XP token | “Custodian” blueprint with tracers for GS45 | 26,000 XP |
| “Piggy” weapon sticker | “Enigma” emblem | 46,000 XP |
| “Player 115” operator skin for Maya | “Boss Orders” blueprint with tracers for Saug | 76,000 XP |
| “Do. Not. Move” calling card | “Don’t Look” skin for Concussion Grenade | 118,000 XP |
| Double Weapon XP token | “Throwdown” emote | 176,000 XP |
| “Invitation” spray | “Who’s Left?” gun screen | 254,000 XP |
| Cleaver melee weapon (mastery reward) | Front Man operator (mastery reward) | 356,000 XP |
This event pass, which promises to immerse players in the Squid Game universe, has, however, met with dissent from portions of the gaming community. Although some players appreciated the charm of the offerings, others expressed concerns over the monetization trend they feel overly burdensome, especially following the $70 upfront cost of owning the game.
Player Reaction and Controversy:
The initial announcement of the Squid Game Event Pass prompted varied reactions from the player community. Some welcomed the idea of exclusive items inspired by a popular series, while others were less than thrilled about the necessity to purchase a pass alongside existing microtransactions.
“So many people were gassing the premium event pass because it was supposedly better than buying several bundles, but now that we can see it, it’s just one bundle cut up into a paid XP event,” tweeted notable CoD leaker BobNetwork.
This sentiment echoes the thoughts of many gamers who feel that the new premium offering is dissected from what should be free content and merely dished out in installments at a cost, which some outlets have referred to as exploitative.
On the contrary, there are those like another user who said, “This is actually way cheaper than everyone was expecting. Is everyone good now?” This notion contradicts the general trend of backlash, proving that opinions vary widely.
Strategies to Maximize Reward Gains:
To expedite the collection of rewards during the Squid Game Event, players are encouraged to engage in limited-time modes (LTMs) available across BO6 Multiplayer, BO6 Zombies, and Warzone. These modes were developed to provide heightened XP opportunities, essential to reaching the milestone requirements for rewards.
For those choosing classic gameplay options, focusing on longer, objective-based matches is recommended. Modes like Domination and Hardpoint offer ideal conditions for acquiring XP due to their gameplay dynamics that often result in extended playtimes and strategic scoring chances.
When playing Warzone, engaging with modes such as Resurgence and Plunder have also shown to be efficient in XP farming, particularly given their high-energy pace and frequent respawning mechanics which further augment XP gain. Additionally, pulling in teammates can ensure effective completion of game contracts, maximizing rewards. Remember to utilize Double XP tokens as well!
Multiplayer Engagements:
The Squid Game event brings with it several limited-time game modes, enabling players to collaboratively experience the essence of the series:
Red Light, Green Light Mode:
This mode allows players to participate in a three-round setup of the titular game. Using the Red Card multiplayer map, players engage for two-minute rounds where failure to adhere to the rules leads to elimination:
“When Young-hee says ‘Green Light,’ the fight is on. Move a muscle after she says ‘Red Light’ and you’re toast,” explains the game instructions.
Pentathlon Mode:
Players must showcase their competitive spirit by tackling five different modes, which include the popular Domination and Hardpoint, intertwined with themed options like Piggy Bank Team Deathmatch, where every elimination contributes to a shared Mega Piggy Bank that players scramble to claim.
Squid Game Moshpit:
A blend of standard modes such as Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Hardpoint also takes on a Squid Game twist with unique features that enhance gameplay:
- Red Light, Green Light Scorestreak: A special scorestreak that temporarily freezes enemy players, evoking a classic game element.
- Piggy Bank: Eliminated players have a chance of dropping a score-boosting Piggy Bank.
- Roulette Handgun: A high-stakes handheld weapon that can eliminate opponents in one shot, but with a risk of self-detonation.
Zombies and Warzone Integrations:
Players are not left out in the Zombies mode either. The introduction of Dead Light, Green Light enables players to gather Essence by eliminating zombies during the “Green Light” phase, while “Red Light” conditions penalize motion with Essence penalties.
In the Warzone structure, a Squid Game-themed mode spins a rotating series of challenges where underperforming squads drop out, adding pressure to each match while opportunities for dynamic gameplay arise with the inclusion of elements such as potential Red Light, Green Light round triggers.
