Contestant in real-life Squid Game says it's ‘much more intense’ than original Netflix series

The next instalment in the Squid Game world is officially here, though the much-loved faces of Seong Gi-hun and Cho Sang Woo are nowhere to be seen.

Instead, Squid Game: The Challenge is a real-life version of the popular Netflix show, as 456 players compete to win $4.56 million.

While it may be very different from the Squid Game we all know and love, one contestant who took part in The Challenge told UNILAD it is ‘much more intense’ than the original - even though contestants aren't killed off if they lose the games like in the series.

But first of all, the reason as to why anyone would want to enter this real-life version of Squid Game is, of course, the money.

But what qualities do you need to have to succeed? Well, Squid Game: The Challenge contestant, Stephen, explained: “You have to be versatile. You have to be able to be humble, maybe towards the end, be more savage.

“I'm definitely well rounded. Having a steady hand will definitely help. But patience. Oh, my goodness, patience.”

With The Challenge being set in the Squid Game universe, many viewers are likely to make comparisons to the 2021 original hit.

Netflix

One of the more senior contestants to take part in The Challenge is 68-year-old Rick, who may very well become a fan favorite.

Speaking to UNILAD, Rick disclosed some of the key differences he claims sets the two series apart.

He said: “Our series was much more intense to us, there was nothing fake about us. They were actors, they were paid to look good and gruesome.”

Rick then spoke about being ‘offended’ by some people’s reason for deciding to skip Squid Game: The Challenge.

“I'm offended when people say, ‘I'm not going to watch The Challenge if no one dies’, but you know, no one died in the first season,” Rick said.

“They all got paid for their performance and were congratulated for their performance.”

He added: “We had an opportunity of a lifetime that most people never get. It was so real and intense for us.”

Netflix

For Rick, the best part about being involved in Squid Game: The Challenge were the games we have all become accustomed to with the Squid Game universe.

“Challenges were my favorite time, that's when I could enjoy being in the Squid Game world,” he explained.

“They were just so intense and everyone was [full of] fear and worry.”

Squid Game: The Challenge is streaming on Netflix right now.