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The simulated deaths in Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge” introduced a unique and dramatic element to the reality competition genre. The depiction of contestants being eliminated from the show via a simulated shooting was a standout feature, particularly during challenges such as “Red Light, Green Light.”
To create the effect of a contestant being shot, the production team utilized a squib pack, a common device used in the film industry to simulate the impact of being shot and the resulting blood effect. Bryn Williams, a games technical consultant for the series, explained the process in a video posted by Netflix on YouTube.
Each contestant wore a waistcoat equipped with a squib pack strapped to their chest. When triggered, the squib pack released high-pressure material through a nozzle, creating the effect of being shot. This action would cause the contestants to react, often with a jolt or shock, and the vest would release a dye to simulate blood, emphasizing the impact of the “shooting.” The players were designed to react to the squib’s activation, falling backward and lying motionless to sell the dramatic effect of their elimination.
Elements SFX co-owner Nick Rideout showcased the waistcoat worn by every participant, demonstrating how the squib system was set up within the vest, with a line connected to a pouch near the person’s sternum. The squib was activated remotely via a button.
The winner of “Squid Game: The Challenge,” set to be revealed in the finale on December 6, will claim the grand prize of $4.56 million, becoming the show’s inaugural champion among those who managed to avoid being “shot” and eliminated in the challenges.