McDonald's Australia Launches Squid Game Meal, Complete With Dalgona Candy Challenge
In anticipation of Squid Game 2, McDonald鈥檚 Australia and Netflix have launched a world-first Squid Game Meal that brings the thrilling Dalgona Candy Challenge to life, only in Australia.
Developed by OMD and Akcelo, the Dalgona Candy Challenge and 鈥楧are to Play鈥 campaign taps into the global popularity of Squid Game, giving fans the chance to engage in an interactive version of one of the show鈥檚 most iconic and viral challenges, with exciting prizes to be won.
Amanda Nakad, marketing director for McDonald鈥檚 Australia, says, 鈥淪quid Game is Netflix鈥檚 most-watched show, and we鈥檙e thrilled to bring this cultural phenomenon to life at Macca鈥檚. This collaboration gives our customers and fans the unique opportunity to step into the game and experience it like never before.鈥
The exclusive Squid Game Meal includes a QR code that grants access to the game, where players race against time to complete the Dalgona Candy Challenge. In a unique Australian twist, McDonald鈥檚 has replaced the umbrella candy shape with a more challenging Golden Arches 鈥楳鈥. Those who succeed will have the chance to win exclusive co-branded merchandise, with a grand prize of $100,000 for one lucky challenger.
The mobile game also features an immersive film that reimagines key moments from the iconic scene, including the original voice of Jeon Young-Soo (鞝勳榿靾) as the Game Instructor.
鈥楧are To Play鈥 demonstrates McDonald鈥檚 continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of customer engagement through immersive, cross-platform experiences.
The campaign will drive engagement through a range of activations, including restaurant experiences, OOH, social media, fandom pages, and a Dalgona Candy Challenge event at World Square Sydney, where the public can participate in a Squid Game-themed playzone under the watchful eye of the Pink Guards.
This unique partnership extends beyond the meal itself. McDonald鈥檚 will serve as the single-title sponsor for Squid Game 2 in Australia on Netflix鈥檚 ad-supported platform, coinciding with the series鈥 global release on Boxing Day, 26 December.
