Weekly Update 2.2.2022

Interesting. There is definitely something to the idea, especially with respect to shows like Squid Games. I'll keep it in mind.

Hey! Just thought of one. I'm a really big fan of the Death-Game genre, including everything from Death Note to Battle Royale to the original Yu-Gi-Oh manga, before cards were introduced. Games with big stakes have always existed historically, but maybe the Death Game genre is so popular because it's a direct reflection of capitalism? This is probably a cold take, like yeah obviously we exist in an economic system where if you don't sufficiently "win," you're at risk of becoming destitute. A friend of mine recently pointed out that unhoused people have been deemed by society at large to die a slow death from the elements unless someone intervenes. Death Games are just that concept heightened to an extreme. So like, what to make of this? Death Games are fun to watch, but bad in real life, donate your time to a mutual aid shelter? Well... yes, but also, I think the Death Game genre is reaching a zenith in popularity right now because people are starting to become aware of class consciousness, at least in a broad sense. I don't think it's a coincidence that Squid Game became popular in the middle of the Pandemic. I also don't think it's a coincidence that many of the genre's flagship works come from Japan, where labor relations are even more strained than they are in the U.S.. People are feeling the crunch of Capitalism, and because of that, media that speaks to that horrible experience becomes all the more attractive. If you've read this far, thanks. This may all be kinda too on-the-nose to use as a video idea, but I think if you look into this genre, you'll find something you like. Oh! And forget about Squid Game! Check out Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor. It's about a gambling addict who gets coerced to play death games for the yakuza. Squid Game actually stole a lot of its ideas, themes and even specific games from this anime - just ripped them wholesale. Thanks NM, and let me know what you think!

Christopher Roger Simons