With the release of Squid Game Season 2 on the horizon, Netflix has heightened fan excitement by hosting an immersive event in New York City. Located at the intersection of 32nd Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, this interactive experience invites participants to step into the uneasy world of the show, without the fear of elimination or physical harm for losing.
The original series, set in South Korea, follows the story of a father fighting to reclaim his life and reconnect with his daughter. Battling a gambling addiction and mounting debts, the protagonist, Gi-Hun, encounters a mysterious man who lures him to play a seemingly innocent children’s game in a subway station. Desperate to secure his daughter’s birthday gift, Gi-Hun embarks on a treacherous journey to win a fortune, unaware of the deadly stakes.
Inspired by the acclaimed series’ intense first season, the NYC event recreates iconic games such as Disappearing Tiles, Dalgona, and Red Light, Green Light. While the show revolves around heavily indebted players risking their lives, this experience centers on friendly competition, making it a fun outing for families and groups of friends looking for a unique thrill.
“You don’t trust people here because you can. You do it because you don’t have anybody else,” says Gi-Hun in the series.
The adventure begins with participants lining up to register, where they receive wristbands and snap photos before entering a dormitory that mirrors the show’s mysterious industrial setting. The booming voice of the game maker commands,
“STAND ON A NUMBER!”
Soon after, a video featuring the original Game Maker from the series signals the start of the games, and the contestants are plunged into the action.
The first game, Disappearing Tiles, challenges players to cross a sequence of tiles displayed briefly before the round begins, testing their memory and balance. While many stumbled early on, three participants successfully completed the challenge, earning top points. Unlike the show’s version, which forces players to risk life and limb, this version uses a point system, with smaller groups competing for an active and fast-paced experience.
Next came a twist on Dalgona. Instead of carving shapes out of honeycomb, players faced a marble toss challenge. Each contestant aimed to land their marble in a central circle, claiming their opponent’s marbles if they succeeded. Winners advanced, while others waited to be called in for the next game.
The games continued with Battleship and ended with the fan-favorite, Red Light, Green Light. In a dramatic finale, the highest-ranked contestant faced off against a randomly selected competitor, concluding the event with an exhilarating showdown.
Participants were thrilled about the experience. “It felt like being part of the show,” one attendee shared enthusiastically. “I’d absolutely do it again.” The perfect mix of excitement, nostalgia, and comradery has made this interactive event a hit among fans.
For those captivated by Squid Game, this NYC event offers a one-of-a-kind chance to dive into the show’s thrilling universe, without the deadly stakes. Whether it’s strategizing in Disappearing Tiles or mastering the marble toss, it’s an unforgettable adventure for fans and newcomers alike.
