At its coronary heart, Squid Recreation is a critique of capitalism and but, Netflix can’t cease discovering methods to squeeze cash from it. After renewing the present for a second season after which debuting a actuality present primarily based on the sequence, Netflix opened a pop-up expertise in Los Angeles the place followers will pay to play video games impressed by the present, eat Korean snacks and perhaps even purchase some costumes.
If you are going to buy basic admission tickets (beginning at $39), you might be agreeing to take part as a contestant in a sequence of six video games designed by Netflix impressed by the present’s lethal challenges — from glass bridge, the place gamers should memorize which tiles gentle up, to a sport of ‘Gganbu’, the place it’s a must to steal all your opponent’s marbles to win. As a substitute of dying, although, you are given a bracelet that buzzes once you lose a sport — however you get to maneuver on anyway and play all six video games.
As you progress from room to room or sport to sport, you’re competing in opposition to different gamers within the sport for a title to win. In a little bit of a gimmick, Netflix says that if a visitor passes all six challenges throughout the 70-minute expertise window, it would give patrons precedence casting consideration for a spot on the fact TV offshoot of the present, which was just lately renewed for a second season. For now, the expertise is just accessible in Los Angeles and is operating for a restricted time by the brand new yr. Netflix hinted that ‘Squid Game: The Trials’ will later come to a different metropolis.
In constructing this in-person pop-up area, Netflix partnered with Samsung – in fact, considered one of Korea’s premier hometown corporations. For instance, throughout Purple Mild, Inexperienced Mild, the Galaxy S23 Extremely positioned within the sport room captures key moments of gameplay with Hyperlapse video and nonetheless photographs. Samsung TVs and Galaxy cell gadgets will probably be dotted all through particular person video games and members should navigate “experiential zones” which can be surrounded by Samsung TV screens, together with the flagship Neo QLED 8K, the 4K and The Body.
As soon as a participant is finished with the video games, basic admission grants you entry to a ‘Korean Night Market’ the place you should buy road meals and soju-infused cocktails. It’s also possible to purchase the signature inexperienced tracksuit worn by contestants (a Halloween costume for subsequent yr, perhaps, if Squid Recreation costumes are nonetheless cool then?). There are additionally arcade-style and mini-games impressed by the present accessible for play.
Extra broadly, Netflix has been exploring methods to interrupt free from its identification as a streaming-only service and has explored increasing into new classes outdoors its major service. From increasing its footprint within the gaming area (together with VR) to launching brick-and-mortar branded retail shops and even eating area subsequent yr, Netflix appears decided to attempt to make some cash promoting items and experiences impressed by its media library. The brand new Squid Recreation immersive stay expertise will not be the streaming firm’s first wager on pop-up experiences both. It has already experimented with the format with different hit reveals like Stranger Issues and Bridgerton, the place it invited followers to decorate in ball robes and attempt to win the Queen’s consideration for the title of the ‘season’s diamond.’
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