At its coronary heart, Squid Sport 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 reality show based on the series, Netflix opened a pop-up expertise in Los Angeles the place followers pays to play video games impressed by the present, eat Korean snacks and perhaps even purchase some costumes.
If you are going to buy common admission tickets (beginning at $39), you’re agreeing to take part as a contestant in a collection of six video games designed by Netflix impressed by the present’s lethal challenges — from glass bridge, the place gamers need to memorize which tiles light up, to a sport of ‘Gganbu’, the place you must steal your entire opponent’s marbles to win. As an alternative of dying, although, you are given a bracelet that buzzes whenever 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 against other players 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 inside the 70-minute expertise window, it is going to give patrons precedence casting consideration for a spot on the truth TV offshoot of the present, which was recently renewed for a second season. For now, the expertise is barely obtainable in Los Angeles and is working for a restricted time by means of the brand new yr. Netflix hinted that ‘Squid Sport: 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 firms. For instance, throughout Pink Mild, Inexperienced Mild, the Galaxy S23 Extremely positioned within the sport room captures key moments of gameplay with Hyperlapse video and nonetheless pictures. Samsung TVs and Galaxy cell gadgets shall be dotted all through particular person video games and contributors should navigate “experiential zones” which are 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, common admission grants you entry to a ‘Korean Night time Market’ the place you should purchase road meals and soju-infused cocktails. You may as well purchase the signature inexperienced tracksuit worn by contestants (a Halloween costume for subsequent yr, perhaps, if Squid Sport costumes are nonetheless cool then?). There are additionally arcade-style and mini-games impressed by the present obtainable 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 important service. From increasing its footprint in the gaming area (including VR) to launching brick-and-mortar branded retail stores and even dining 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 Sport immersive dwell 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 Things 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.’
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-keeps-milking-squid-game-this-time-with-an-in-person-experience-starting-at-39-192303172.html?src=rss
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