[From the scene] Immersive ‘Squid Game’ challenge thrills fans in LA

Samsung devices bring challenges to life, from Galaxy cameras as motion sensors to the S-pen stylus in the digital 'Dalgona Game'

"Squid Game: The Trials," an immersive experience program in Los Angeles, uses Samsung Electronics TVs and smartphones. (Samsung Electronics)

LOS ANGELES -- For fans of the Netflix series "Squid Game," the "Squid Game: The Trials" immersive experience at the CBS Television lot in Los Angeles is a must-visit spot for putting their competitive spirits to the test.

Spanning about 3,000 square meters, the venue features "Squid Game"-inspired games, including the dalgona, marbles and glass tiles challenges. Visitors have to pass a total of six games to become the final winner.

The 70-minute gameplay is made possible through “viciously high-tech" mobile devices and TVs from Samsung Electronics, which make the games feel more real.

For the iconic "Red Light Green Light Game," 11 Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphones have been set up in corners of the game site to scan 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.

Visitors take photos with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 at the "Squid Game: The Trials," an immersive experience program in Los Angeles. (Samsung Electronics)

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 Jan. 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.

The "Dalgona Game" goes digital, allowing visitors to cut out the shapes on a Samsung smartphone with the S-pen stylus. (Samsung Electronics)

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 $39 and the VIP Package, which includes post-game access to the VIP lounge among other benefits, is priced at $99.

Having opened on Dec. 6, "Squid Game: The Trial" will be running through March.

By Jo He-rim(herim@heraldcorp.com)