The deadly Squid Game from Netflix is coming to Birmingham, Bullring - prepare for an adrenaline rush

Anyone who has watched the extremely popurlar Netflix show Squid Game from South Korea knows that it is no child’s game. Instead, it’s a high-stakes adrenaline-fuelled survival game that turns deadly for many characters on the show.

If you wanted to experience this global phenomenon right here in Birmingham, you can now do so because Netflix has partnered up with a virtual reality experience studio right here in the city.

Sandbox VR, which opened recently in the Bullring & Grand Central, is bringing an authentic experience to customers who want a fully immersive Squid Game virtual reality experience. So, along with a robot bartender serving 80 drinks an hour, you can enjoy some more mind-blowing experiences thanks to top notch technology.

Squid Games is the most watched series of all time with 265 million views and fans can submerge themselves in the world of the hit series through full-body VR.

Developed in partnership with Netflix, “Squid Game Virtuals” is the most immersive experience created by Sandbox VR. Players will be transported to iconic Squid Game locations, where they become contestants, where each of them will take part in various pulse-pounding challenges inspired by the Netflix series, and compete against each other to be the last one standing.

Even for those who haven’t watched the popular South Korean show, this would be a thrilling experience - imagine Takeshi’s Castle mashed with Hunger Games in one game and you probably get Squid Game.

What is the gameplay for Squid Game going to be like at Sandbox VR?

Groups of up to six will play games from the series, like ‘Red Light, Green Light,’ and ‘Cross the Glass Bridge,’ along with surprising new twists that expand on the world of the series. After each game session, players will receive personalised highlight videos capturing their adrenaline-fuelled, virtual in-game reactions, and recapping how their very own Squid Game story unfolded.

Sandbox’s patented motion-tracking system captures the movements of a player’s entire body in real-time, combined with a high-quality haptic system to provide players with unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible with home VR, or any other location-based VR platforms.

What did Netflix say about bringing Squid Games to Bullring?

Greg Lombardo, VP, Live Experiences, Netflix said: “At Netflix, we have always been committed to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and we are excited to partner with Sandbox VR for the launch of our Squid Game virtual reality experience. By tapping into the power of virtual reality, fans can further immerse themselves in the world of this series with captivating and thrilling games they have come to know and love.”

What did Sandbox say about partnering with Netflix?

Steve Zhao, Founder and CEO of Sandbox VR said: “Our tech enables guests to physically interact with one another while being precisely tracked in VR and what makes Squid Game Virtuals exciting is that the experience truly leverages our platform’s capabilities.

“During early development we knew the key to this project was to bring the unforgettable thrills and drama of Squid Game to VR in a way that’s approachable and fun for fans,” said Michael Hampden, SVP Content and Creative Director at Sandbox VR. “Working closely with Netflix, we designed new mini-games and adapted ideas from the series. The result is an incredibly engaging and social experience, unlike anything Sandbox VR has created before. We can’t wait for the reactions when our guests take their first steps across the glass bridge, or hear the music stop in Red Light, Green Light.”

What did Bullring & Grand Central say about the exclusive Squid Game experience?

Dan Murphy, General Manager at Bullring & Grand Central, said: “Sandbox VR has been an excellent addition to our growing line-up of leisure and experiential operators here at Bullring & Grand Central. It’s incredible that our visitors will be able to play this exclusive Squid Game experience at the venue, we’re sure it’s going to prove a massive hit with our customers.”

The Bullring and Grand Central are welcoming several new experiences, stores and hospitality venues in the premiere shopping centre in 2023.

For more information and to book your unforgettable experience, visit Sandbox’s website.