Christina Nixon
Let’s be real upfront: Squid Game: The Experience London (running now at Immerse LDN in the Excel Waterfront complex, through 4 January 2026) isn’t just another pop-up. It’s a full-on immersive journey into the adrenaline-pumping world of Netflix’s megahit—only there’s no real danger, just intense competition among friends, families, or strangers. You navigate five challenges straight out of the show—Memory Steps (the scary glass bridge), Marbles, Rope Game (a blind tug-of-war), Red Light, Green Light under the gaze of Young-hee, and a fast-paced Round and Round musical showdown.
Tickets start at about £26 for adults and £18 for children, with extras like drink vouchers and souvenirs available in the pricier tiers.
When Netflix first dropped “Squid Game” in September 2021, few could have predicted just how quickly it would explode into a worldwide phenomenon. The South Korean survival drama didn’t just break streaming records — it captured the imagination of audiences everywhere, sparking heated discussions about class inequality, capitalism, and human desperation, all wrapped in a slick, unsettling package of playground nostalgia mixed with lethal consequences. Within weeks of release, it had become Netflix’s most-watched show ever, topping charts in 94 countries, inspiring Halloween costumes, internet memes, and debates on whether its violent satire was appropriate for the younger viewers who were secretly sneaking episodes. By the end of its first month, Squid Game had amassed over 1.65 billion hours of viewing time worldwide.
In late 2023, immersive pop-up versions of the Squid Game Experience began rolling out in cities like New York, Sydney, and Madrid. London eventually joined the list, and from the start, it promised to deliver fans a chance to step into the world of pink jumpsuits, ominous masked guards, and larger-than-life playground games. It wasn’t about survival in a literal sense, but it was about fun, adrenaline, and testing whether you’d “win” or be “eliminated” in a safe, theatrical environment.
But here’s the big question: did London live up to the hype? Did it capture the intensity, the excitement, and the satirical bite of the show? Or did it fall short compared to the other cities around the world? And more importantly, what about the fact that kids were playing a game based on a show where people die for losing?
Let’s dive into the Squid Game Experience London review.
The brilliance of Squid Game lies in its uncomfortable mix of childhood games and deadly consequences. Red Light, Green Light. Tug of War. Marbles. These are all innocent, nostalgic games. But in the show, losing doesn’t just mean being “out” — it means death. That sharp contrast became a metaphor for how society treats the vulnerable, how desperation can strip away humanity, and how capitalism can turn even play into survival.
Fans wanted to wear the costumes, buy the merch, and imagine themselves in the game. So, the immersive experiences were born as part fan service, part marketing machine, and part interactive theatre. The fact that these experiences popped up globally isn’t surprising. But each city has handled it slightly differently, and London’s execution is particularly interesting.
The Squid Game London experience has impressive set design—think neon-lit dormitories, costumed guards, the doll, and a vibrant Night Market with Korean snacks and merch. But, fair warning: there’s been chatter about long waits, especially at the glass bridge. If you’re in the early group of four, you’ll spend ample time watching others before your turn—killer for immersion, less so for patience. The staging is photogenic and definitely geared toward Instagram moments. You’re grouped with other players, and from there, the competition begins.
Globally, Squid Game: The Experience has hit cities like New York, Sydney, Seoul, and Madrid before landing in London. The setup is broadly similar—same core games, high-energy aesthetics, and Night Market vibes. In New York, for instance, VIP ticketholders get lounge access and freebies, and the experience leans more polished and fast-paced. Across the board, the experience has been described as “addictive,” smoothly staged, and great for fans. The New York edition even launched in October ahead of Season 2 of the show and offered a dedicated retail space named “Squid Mart”.
That said, some users say the London version, while visually dramatic, doesn’t quite nail the “vibrant and fun” energy. TripAdvisor scores have been middling (about 2.8/5 with 55 reviews), and reviewers note that family mixes in the games (such as between kids and adult competitors) can backfire—giving undue advantage or slowing competition. In short: fun, yes—but London’s iteration may feel less energetic and tight than the slicker, faster versions elsewhere.
Not Child’s Play: The Risks of Kids Joining The Experience
Here’s a weird twist: while the TV show Squid Game is definitely not for kids, the in-person experience is openly marketed to all-ages—so long as minors are accompanied by a responsible adult. London doesn’t restrict participation by age, but has two policies: “Sessions from 18:00 onwards are for Adults (16+) only,” and “all guests playing require a ticket, regardless of age.” Parents are encouraged to decide if their child can handle the physical and strategic stress of the games.
The issue is that these challenges—stepping on the glass bridge, nerve-wracking freeze games, and competitive elimination rounds—are rooted in the deadly premise of the show. Translating that into “play” can blur boundaries for children. That kind of adult-themed stress, in a games context, risks miscommunicating the serious violence originally depicted on TV. In wider cultural contexts, there have been instances of real-life playground mimicking of Squid Game in schools—in places like Quebec, France, Belgium, and Australia—prompting warnings from educators about the show’s violent undertones and impact on children. A few US elementary schools even banned Squid Game Halloween costumes due to similar worries.
The show Squid Game is not for children. It’s rated 15+ in most countries, and for good reason — it’s violent, dark, and disturbing.
So yes—encouraging kids into these experiences could lead to confusion about what’s “just a game” versus what’s rooted in violent elimination.
Should children be part of this? In my view — probably not. The show was designed as social commentary for adults. Turning it into a children’s game risks undermining its meaning.
Parents, this one really needs careful consideration.
The Games
London offers five challenges, directly inspired by the show:
- Red Light, Green Light – The most famous game, where you run toward the finish line while the creepy doll Young-hee’s head swivels. Stop when she looks, run when she turns away. In the show, this is deadly. In London, it’s tense but safe.
- Rope Game – A representation of tug-of-war is adding an extra layer of strategy and speed.
- Marbles – A twist on the traditional marble challenge, where players have to use skills and precision.
- Memory Steps (The Glass Bridge) – Players attempt to cross a “glass” platform where only certain steps are safe. This is one of the slowest parts of the London experience, as groups wait their turn, which can really stretch out the pacing.
- Rund and Round – A musical-chairs-style showdown, quick and fun but a bit anticlimactic after the tension of earlier games.
*The Squid Game Experience London – Photos by Iconic Magazine Online
The Squid Game Experience London – The Night Market
One of the highlights is the themed Night Market, where you can grab Korean snacks, themed drinks, and Squid Game merchandise. It adds a festival vibe, though it also feels like the commercial side of the experience — a reminder that this is as much a business as it is entertainment.
London gets a lot right:
- Set Design – Visually, it’s impressive. Every corner looks like it could be a screenshot from the show.
- Photo Opportunities – This is made for social media, with iconic backdrops and props.
- Atmosphere – Guards, music, and lighting all combine to set the right tone.
- Accessibility – Unlike some global editions, London feels welcoming to families, tourists, and casual fans.
It’s fun, unique, and gives fans that coveted feeling of stepping into the show they love. But here’s the catch: compared to other global editions, London just doesn’t feel as vibrant or polished.
The Glass Bridge game especially causes long waits, and it kills the adrenaline. In New York, the experience is structured to flow more smoothly. Some reviewers note that staff seem less animated, and the competitive edge feels watered down. And lastly, having children compete with adults can feel awkward. A parent may hesitate to go “all in” against a kid, and that changes the energy of the game.
New York’s Squid Game Experience launched in 2024 with huge fanfare. It offered VIP lounges, themed cocktails, and a “Squid Mart” store for exclusive merchandise. Reviews describe it as slick, fast-paced, and highly professional. Lines moved quickly, and energy levels were high.
Sydney leaned heavily into atmosphere, with outdoor markets and cultural performances surrounding the main games. It felt like more than just a set of challenges — it was an event.
Seoul’s version, perhaps unsurprisingly, was the most authentic. It leaned into the cultural roots of the show, with careful attention to detail in the games and markets.
Madrid delivered on passion. Spanish audiences threw themselves into the competition, and reviewers described the vibe as more like a sports match than an immersive theatre experience.
Social media reactions have been more positive for The Squid Game Experience London, largely because the experience is so photogenic. Instagram and TikTok are filled with players in green tracksuits posing with guards and props. It looks exciting online, even if the reality is a little slower.
*The Squid Game Experience London – Photos by Iconic Magazine Online
Squid Game as Culture
Squid Game was originally a critique of capitalism, showing how desperation pushes people to compete in dehumanising ways. Yet now, we pay to play it. The Night Market, the merch, the VIP lounges — it’s all about money. Some critics argue that this strips the story of its meaning. Others say it’s just harmless fun. But whether you view it as satire turned spectacle or just an interactive playground, there’s no denying that people love it.
The Squid Game Experience London – Accommodation
If you’re traveling to London specifically for the Squid Game Experience, accommodation can make or break your budget. London isn’t exactly cheap, but the good news is that the city has plenty of hostels that are clean, central, and surprisingly stylish. For groups of friends coming to London to “play the game,” hostels are the perfect basecamp: affordable, convenient, and buzzing with energy.
So, is London’s Squid Game Experience worth it?
Yes — if you’re a fan of the show, if you love immersive theatre, or if you just want something Instagram-worthy to do with friends. It’s fun, unique, and definitely a talking point. But manage your expectations. Compared to New York or Sydney, London is less vibrant, less polished, and sometimes frustratingly slow. And if you’re a parent, think carefully about whether bringing your kids is the right call.
Still, there’s something magical about standing in front of Young-hee, hearing that eerie tune, and freezing as if your life depends on it. So, if you’re in London and curious: join the game. Just remember — in this version, elimination only stings your pride, not your life.
