LOS ANGELES (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Fans can now unleash their competitive spirit at this immersive CBS Television lot venture in Los Angeles. Covering 3,000 square metres, it showcases ‘Squid Game’-inspired challenges like Dalgona, marbles, and glass tiles.
Visitors need to conquer six games to emerge as the ultimate victor in this 70-minute gameplay.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology from Samsung Electronics, the experience is brought to life with “viciously high-tech” mobile devices and TVs, amplifying the realism of the games.
For the iconic “Red Light Green Light Game,” 11 Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphones are strategically placed, meticulously scanning for participants’ slightest movements.
The “Dalgona Game” has been made digital, and can be played on the four Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphones set up at the site. Using the S-pen stylus, contestants must cut out the shapes carved on the Dalgona candy without breaking the whole thing.
According to Samsung, the front camera of the smartphone takes a photo of the player’s face as they concentrate on the Dalgona. The player can get their photos using “Quick Share” after they complete the mission.
Fans will be greeted with familiar props and scenes from the Netflix series as they enter the various rooms, including bunk beds, the hanging piggy bank, and the coffin decorated with a pink ribbon.
Tracie Millan and Erik Perez, two visitors from LA, said they were excited to experience “Squid Game” for themselves.
“(The venue) looks like the actual game. I’m pretty impressed. I didn’t know what to expect but this is more than I expected,” Millan said as they waited to participate in the day’s first game on January 19. Before beginning their immersive experience, the couple took photos in the photo booth set up with the Galaxy Z Flip5.
Up to 40 contestants can take part in each game, and all participants can proceed to the fifth stage of the competition, even if they fail to pass the previous level. But only those who pass the fifth contest can proceed to the final match to become the winner.
Winners interested in participating in casting for Season 2 of Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge” will receive priority casting consideration, according to Netflix.
After finishing the immersive experience, visitors can take pictures at the FlexCam Selfie Kiosk, where the Galaxy Z Flip5 is set up.
Visitors can also try out various Korean foods and drinks in the marketplace, all curated by Yangban chef Katianna Hong.
As a partnering supporter of the immersive experience, Samsung sponsored five TVs at the site, including the 85-inch Neo QLED 8K and the 85-inch The Frame. Netflix purchased the other Samsung devices that are used in the experience, according to the Korean tech giant.
General admission to the experience costs USD39 and the VIP Package, which includes post-game access to the VIP lounge among other benefits, is priced at USD99.
Having opened on December 6, “Squid Game: The Trial” will be running through March.
