by Spencer Bollettieri
Get ready, New York City! The heart-pounding thrills of Netflix’s global phenomenon, Squid Game, have arrived in Manhattan! Starting now, fans and thrill-seekers alike can step into the immersive world of Squid Game: The Experience, testing their skills, embracing their competitive spirit, and maybe even playing a little dirty to get ahead in the Front Man’s games.
Squid Games: A Cultural Phenomenon
The Front Man has arrived in Manhattan and is orchestrating the heart-pounding thrills of Netflix’s Squid Game: The Experience. Based on the hit sci-fi series, both fans and newcomers are invited to test their skills, embrace their competitive spirit, and maybe play a little dirty to get ahead in the Front Man’s games. With prizes to win and bragging rights on the line, it’s time to dust off those playground instincts because the games are about to begin as participants step into the world of Netflix’s Squid Game.
When Squid Game debuted in 2021, it quickly joined the ranks of Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Money Heist as one of Netflix’s most acclaimed shows. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the Korean dystopian drama follows contestants competing in deadly childhood games for a life-changing prize. With Season 1 nominated for 14 Emmys and several other awards, Squid Game became a global sensation, amassing 265 million views in just 91 days. As the series gears up for its return with Season 2 on December 26, 2024, Squid Game: The Experience is set to open at The Manhattan Mall (100 W 33rd St) in New York City on October 11, 2024, with tickets available through March 9, 2025.
Welcome to the Games
When aspiring players enter Squid Game: The Experience, a Korean night market greets them that they can explore before the challenges begin. Designed to transport participants into the world of the show, the space is filled with neon signs, ads, and props, with even the restrooms jovially warning against flushing VIP bribes, alliances, or betrayals. While waiting, guests can grab a drink at the Black Label Bar or VIP lounge, enjoying cocktails and mocktails while watching live feeds of current groups competing on big-screen televisions.
For those looking to test their reflexes before the main event, arcade machines provide a fun diversion, and in between rounds of Pac-Man, they might encounter a walk-around character who challenges them to a game of Ddakji as they provide helpful advice in their upcoming trials. As for the souvenir seekers, the Squid Mart sells Korean snacks, marbles, and Netflix-branded merchandise for them to bring home.
While getting lost in the glowing neon and tantalizing snacks of the glimmering gritty dystopian nightlife is easy, participants will want to prepare themselves for what awaits them in the Front Man’s challenges.
Let the Games Begin
Once their group is called, players are ushered into Netflix’s games. Key features include:
- Receiving a wristband with a contestant number to track progress
- Getting their picture taken at a digital kiosk
- An orientation room where the Front Man sets the tone via video screens
- Iconic challenges from the show, including Red Light, Green Light and the Glass Bridge
- New, surprise challenges to keep even die-hard fans on their toes
The games don’t strictly follow the original Squid Game rules, which will likely relieve fans who realize they won’t be carving out cookies or playing tug-of-war or dying. However, Squid Game: The Experience does recreate several iconic challenges while introducing new ones. Players will need to memorize patterns to cross the glass bridge, take part in larger-than-life versions of Warships and Red Light, Green Light (watched over by a towering recreation of the iconic Young-Hee doll), and compete in marbles before reaching a grand finale with the Front Man in attendance.
Important Squid Games Experience Details
- Location: The Manhattan Mall, 100 W 33rd St, New York City
- Dates: Now – March 9, 2025
- Price: Tickets start at $29
- Duration: 60-minute guided experience
- Physical Requirements: Comfortable clothing recommended for light running and stretching
- Age Recommendation: May be intense for younger children due to flashing lights, immersive atmosphere, and dramatic sound effects
The 60-minute guided experience requires a certain level of physical activity and player interaction, but nothing too strenuous. Still, participants will want to dress comfortably for various movements, with some light running and stretching involved.
Squid Game: The Experience may be slightly intense for younger children, who might grow impatient between challenges or be startled by the flashing lights, immersive atmosphere, and dramatic sound effects. However, for older audiences, regardless if they’re fans of Netflix’s Squid Game, there’s plenty to enjoy. They’ll celebrate their victories, laugh at their misses, and root for themselves as the underdogs in the Front Man’s over-the-top spectacle.
See links in Explore More: Resources below for more information on the experience and ticketing.
Explore More: Videos
News Report: Surviving the Squid Game
Squid Game: The Experience Sizzle Reel
Explore More: Resources
- Official Website: Squid Game: The Experience
- Netflix Article: Squid Game: The Experience is in New York
About Spencer Bollettieri: As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories.
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