Where is squid game the challenge filmed

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Squid Game: The Challenge was filmed primarily at a custom-built set in Cape Town, South Africa, starting in January 2023. The production utilized a 120-acre studio complex with a $20 million investment in set construction.

Key Facts

Filming began in January 2023 and lasted approximately five months
The set was constructed at Cape Town Film Studios, one of Africa’s largest production facilities
Over <strong>200 crew members</strong> were hired locally during production
The production invested <strong>$20 million</strong> in building the elaborate game sets
Cape Town was chosen for its diverse landscapes and competitive production incentives

Overview

Squid Game: The Challenge, the reality competition adaptation of the hit Netflix series, was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. This location was selected for its advanced studio infrastructure and cost-effective production environment, allowing for large-scale set construction.

The show's massive, purpose-built sets were designed to replicate the iconic visuals of the original Korean drama, including the giant pink playroom and the towering dormitory. Filming took place from January to May 2023 under tight security to prevent leaks.

Primary filming location: Cape Town Film Studios, a 120-acre facility that hosts major international productions like Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War.
Set construction: Over $20 million was invested in building permanent game structures, including the glass bridge and the dalgona challenge arena.
Local employment: The production hired more than 200 South African crew members, boosting the regional creative economy during filming.
Security measures: Strict non-disclosure agreements and on-site surveillance were enforced to prevent spoilers from leaking to the public.
Environmental adaptation: Cape Town’s diverse geography allowed for both urban and remote backdrops, enhancing the show’s cinematic quality.

How It Works

The production leveraged South Africa’s growing reputation as a global filming hub, combining financial incentives with skilled labor and modern facilities. Each stage of filming was carefully choreographed to simulate life-or-death tension while ensuring contestant safety.

Location scouting: Netflix evaluated seven countries before selecting South Africa due to its tax rebates and studio capacity.
Set design: The 40-foot-tall dormitory set was engineered to be fully functional, with real lighting and moving elevators.
Contestant housing: Players were isolated in a secure compound near the studio, with 24/7 monitoring to prevent communication with the outside world.
Game logistics: Each challenge required 12 to 48 hours of setup, including safety rigging and camera placement.
Post-production: While filmed in South Africa, editing and visual effects were completed in the UK and US by Netflix’s post teams.
Regulatory compliance: The production followed South African labor laws and obtained permits from the Western Cape Film Commission.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Squid Game: The Challenge’s production compares to other major reality competition shows:

Show	Country	Set Cost	Duration	Crew Size
Squid Game: The Challenge	South Africa	$20 million	5 months	200+
Survivor: David vs. Goliath	Fiji	$12 million	6 weeks	150
Big Brother UK	England	$8 million	10 weeks	100
The Challenge: World Ride	Argentina	$15 million	4 months	180
Alone: Lost in the Jungle	Costa Rica	$5 million	3 months	50

The scale of Squid Game: The Challenge exceeds most reality formats due to its elaborate sets and extended filming period. Unlike location-based survival shows, this production relied on constructed environments, requiring more engineering and safety oversight.

Why It Matters

The choice to film in South Africa marks a shift in global television production, highlighting emerging hubs outside traditional centers like Los Angeles or London. This decision reflects broader industry trends toward cost efficiency and international collaboration.

Economic impact: The production injected over $25 million into South Africa’s economy, including local vendor contracts and accommodations.
Global talent pool: Crew members from South Africa, the UK, and the US collaborated, fostering cross-border creative exchange.
Streaming competition: Netflix’s investment signals its commitment to dominating the reality genre with high-budget formats.
Job creation: The project created temporary but high-paying jobs in a region with growing film industry ambitions.
Cultural influence: Filming abroad helps localize content and broadens representation in global entertainment media.
Future productions: Success here may encourage other studios to use Cape Town as a base for large-scale reality or drama series.

As streaming platforms compete for attention, the location and scale of productions like Squid Game: The Challenge are becoming strategic assets. Cape Town’s role in this hit series could cement its status as a premier destination for international television.