Was Squid Game: The Challenge rigged? Inside the controversy of Netflix’s reality show

Following the global success of South Korea’s drama in 2021, took the concept to the next level with Squid Game: The Challenge – a reality competition inspired by the groundbreaking series.

Much like the original, the show invited 456 contestants to compete for a staggering cash prize of $4.56million (£3.61million). However, unlike the fictional drama, the stakes were far less grim, as players were spared the deadly consequences of losing.

The reality series generated massive anticipation, drawing attention for its high stakes and nostalgic nods to the iconic games featured on the show. But what began as a promising extension of the Squid Game universe quickly spiraled into controversy.

Reports of grueling filming conditions, accusations of rigged gameplay, and even threats of legal action emerged soon after filming commenced.

These claims cast a shadow over what could have been ’s most exciting reality venture, raising questions about the ethics and execution behind the scenes.

With the series now facing mounting criticism, let’s dive into the controversies that have left this once-celebrated concept mired in scandal.

Harsh Conditions

Filming for Squid Game: The Challenge began in January 2023 during one of the UK’s harshest winter cold snaps. Contestants kicked off the competition with the iconic Red Light, Green Light game, staged in a former airplane hangar.

Although provided thermal underwear and hand warmers, the freezing temperatures were reportedly unbearable for many. Some contestants claimed the game lasted up to nine hours, with players standing still in the icy conditions for extended periods.

Reports of injuries soon emerged, with and other outlets alleging that multiple contestants required medical attention. The streaming giants acknowledged that three participants received treatment for “mild medical conditions” but denied more severe injuries.

A spokesperson for the company released a statement, which read: “We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures.” However, accounts from contestants painted a bleaker picture.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, one player described the experience as “the cruellest, meanest thing I’ve ever been through,” and another claimed to have seen a woman convulsing while others stood motionless, unwilling to intervene for fear of elimination.

“On what planet is that even humane?” the player asked. Despite these complaints, other contestants like Lorenzo (Player 161), had a more pragmatic take, stating: “You can survive in those conditions. And, if you don’t adapt, you don’t deserve to be there.”

Fix Claims

As if allegations of gruelling conditions wasn’t enough, Squid Game: The Challenge also fix claims. Multiple contestants alleged that producers predetermined storylines, favouring players with significant social media followings.

According to some players, microphones were fake for certain participants, giving the illusion of equality, while others were reportedly eliminated unfairly.

One anonymous contestant told that they saw a previously eliminated player rejoin the game. Another claimed the clock was manipulated during “Red Light, Green Light” to allow specific participants to advance.

A player alleged: “They added [more time] to the clock for her to get across because she was one of the people that they wanted to be in the show”.

Some contestants criticized the process as deceptive and unfair. Another player fumed: “Instead of Squid Game, they’re calling it ‘Rigged Game.’ Instead of , they’re calling it ‘Net Fix,’ because it was clearly obvious.”

In response, and production companies Studio Lambert and The Garden issued a statement, saying: “An independent adjudicator is overseeing each game to ensure it’s fair to everyone. Any suggestion that the competition is rigged or claims of serious harm to players are simply untrue.”

Legal Challenges

The controversy surrounding the show escalated with news of potential legal action from contestants. On November 23, 2023 just one day after the show’s premiere, British personal injury firm Express Solicitors confirmed it was investigating claims from two contestants.

These players claimed they sustained injuries while filming, including hypothermia and nerve damage, due to the inadequate clothing provided for the freezing conditions.

According to the firm, contestants complained about “ill-fitting” garments that left them exposed to extreme temperatures. The firm stated: “No lawsuit has been filed yet.

“But we have served letters of claim to the show’s producers for two contestants outlining their injury claims and now we are gathering further evidence before filing court action if necessary.”

has remained adamant that they took all necessary precautions. A spokesperson said in response to the claims: “No lawsuit has been filed by any of the ‘Squid Game’ contestants. We take the welfare of our contestants extremely seriously.”

Mixed Reviews

However, not all players were critical of their experience on the reality show. Bryton Constantin (Player 432) describing the competition as fair.

Reflecting on his time on the show, he explained: “You knew what you were signing up for before you even got there,” he said. “Some things take skill, but it also comes down to luck. So everything is fair.”

However others painted the show in a strikingly different light. Spencer Hawkins (Player 299) described the environment as “stressful,” recounting how contestants waited hours for games to begin.

Reflecting on the second game, inspired by the Dalgona challenge from the fictional series, Spencer revealed that contestants had to save up saliva in their mouths for hours to soften the brittle honeycomb candy.

“I, myself, was saving up spit for the past few hours because I had no idea when the game would finally begin,” he said.