Amazon Prime Video launched the first two episodes of Beast Games on December 19 created by Jimmy Donaldson or MrBeast . Beast Games a reality show with 1000 contestants is designed to compete for a $5 million prize. Beast Games uses familiar YouTube content themes of MrBeast known for large scale stunts but in a much larger production using 10 episodes.
MrBeast's Rise to Fame as A Content Creator And Launch of Large-Scale Reality Game Show
MrBeast experienced Initial viral success in 2017 for counting to 100000 and handing out monetary gifts in a simple low production video. Jimmy Donaldson content has since skyrocketed to popularity and a higher production value featuring elaborate challenges like pitting contestants one to 100 years old together or getting his subscriber to beat Cristiano Ronaldo for one million dollar prize. MrBeast now the largest Youtuber runs several large brands including a chocolate line a variety of partnerships and has even amassed an estimated revenue around 700 million dollars annually according to sources. Beast Games demonstrates the incredible evolution of this once simple YouTube presence from that time to what is seen today.
Critics Voice Concerns Over 'Beast Games' As Negative Reviews Focus On Unengaging and Obnoxious Aspects
Initial reception by critics for Beast Games has not been very positive with IGN labeling the show largely boring and without much substance with The Guardian further stating that it showcases only the worst aspects of human interactions while maximizing obnoxiousness. These critiques of Beast Games conflict with its positive viewership that suggests fans value these types of shows with its unique challenge set-up .
Record Breaking Claims and Production Cost of Beast Games as Controversy Mounts
Prior to premiering Beast Games Donaldson claimed that it broke 40 Guinness World Records such as largest cash prize most contestants and most simultaneous cameras all at the same time however according to Guinness Website that records such as “Most Money Given Away in a First Episode” previously had no winner. Donaldson often boasts Beast Games has ranked number one in almost 90 countries however Amazon has yet to publicly share detailed viewership statistics with the public. The production itself costed well over 100 million dollars with a $20 million dollar prize pool plus an additional set that cost 14 million dollars in Toronto with over 1400 cameras filming across the duration. Vegas based filming also required a further 14 million dollars highlighting enormous expenditure for this show.
Unsanitary Conditions in Las Vegas: Beast Games Promotional Shoot Under Scrutiny
In July, Beast Games flew out 2000 contestants to compete at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for a three-day promotional shoot. Contestants arrived with garbage bags to hide their attire and did not expect the whole shoot to be a marketing scheme for MrBeast channel alone and not the streaming program on Amazon as they were originally told. Initial production conditions became unsanitary while basic care and needed medications were unavailable with numerous reports on lack of bathroom provisions including one report of a contestant being covered in human waste. Contestants at times did not have required medications especially when required in cases such as for insulin usage among competitors and were required to compete for large amounts of time without basic healthcare. A spokesperson of MrBeast did not comment about the lack of safety despite multiple interviews referencing the lack of care with several individuals hospitalized following Vegas shoot.
Contestant Feedback Reveals Inadequate Provisions For Meals and Health Throughout Beast Games Production
Post premier contestants came forward about their time while competing for Beast Games detailing lack of adequate food provided throughout the entirety of their stays. One contestant specifically talked about going for entire days without meals and sleeping bag handouts on the ground . Numerous individuals reported lack of options while having very limited capacity for leaving stadium while filming. One contestant pointed out that everyone could leave but said no one did because everyone wanted the prize money showing the enormous incentive and dedication of the individuals. Some players also shared personal negative experiences during recording at a public event in Las Vegas.
Brain Injury Incident Plus Legal Action During Beast Games Series Production
Amanda Rose appeared in a Rosanna Pansino video revealing she sustained a brain injury after being kicked in the head. Amanda Rose mentioned an incident report in California plus reporting to Las Vegas Police department which refused a report because the incident was not legally an offense. Rose also said she would not want to associate with an organization that placed view counts over well being. MrBeast also refused to give any commentary over the matter during media outreach. The negative publicity came while reports surfaced about a potential lawsuit filed by five individuals alleging sexual harassment and unpaid wages that remains in active legal investigation. MrBeast spokesperson confirms suit not formally served to Donaldson or Amazon and there will be further investigation as the case continues to advance.
Improved Contestant Conditions in Toronto Contrast With Crew Member Mistreatment
During the later phases of filming a miniature village constructed in downtown Toronto provided lodging for competitors. Six contestants confirmed improved conditions plus ample access to food and sleeping options . However several crew members felt disorganization persisted while mentioning extremely harsh and unsafe work environments throughout entire production of series in Toronto Canada. Some workers were told to keep working even during unsafe situations with electrical equipment submerged in water after torrential downpours hit city of Toronto. Crew members specifically mentioned situations with no fans or air conditioning on site that made working difficult and unhealthy when temperature spikes. During a 90-degree heat wave in the warehouse air conditioning systems were deactivated due to not affecting on the “atmosphere” of filming leading many crew member to extreme discomfort .
Production Demands on Crew Leading to Injuries And 80 Hour Work Week Schedules
Production conditions were described as fast paced yet haphazard and the pace sacrificed on crew member safety. Some employees were forced to regularly work more than twelve hour days and more than seven days straight. A production paystub showed one worker did more than 80 hour of labor per week further highlighting worker’s rights concerns in the filming environment. A piece of exterior structure in the tower during take down fell on a crew worker injuring them significantly with the injured individual needing a ride to a nearby medical facility with severe harm. Rolling Stone attempted contacting these workers but they did not respond while MrBeast spokespeople did not give any statements to reporters about the production incident.
Controversy Surrounds “Sacrifice Row” Elimination Challenge Leading to Feelings of Being Cheated
Forty-one challenges made to test player mettle ranging from physical feats like pulling trucks to simple trivia questions were presented to participants. The “Sacrifice Row” elimination challenge required 900 players on pedestals pressing a button to protect own row by sacrificing others which eliminated 252 players creating confusion and consternation. Contestants were alerted to the rules via a monitor causing some individuals a perceived unfair advantage while the entire contest ended in only 12 seconds showing the very disorganized structure to series.
The competition rules made some contestants refuse to leave Toronto where they then held several meetings to attempt a retrial however emails later said no party gained advantages that the rules may have created during recording which caused anger from production crew along with participants. Members later gathered on a Discord server while also contacting MrBeast’s CEO Mike Cruz who acknowledged need for clearer casting specifications in the future as result of the chaotic event. Members on the discord that branded themselves “The Beastlings” offered opportunities for the producers to use them in future casting calls after refusing to leave accommodations for multiple days despite offers to allow them access into future content creation .A Google Form requested non-disclosure about this community for a period of 45 days following the event while prioritising consideration for future MrBeast opportunities in exchange.
MrBeast Addresses Allegations Regarding Tyson and the Production Chaos
During production and for some time after Jimmy Donaldson had mostly remained publicly silent other than reporting Ava Tyson was removed for acting inappropriately to a minor. Tyson apologized for behavior adding they “never groomed anyone” demonstrating public apology from Tyson following those statements.. A three month investigation into Beast Games concluded in November resulting in a sit down interview between Donaldson and YouTuber Caleb Phelps who goes by Oompaville who has 5.6 million subscribers. During this Oompaville interview Donaldson addressed broken bone claims while also suggesting those concerns were ‘crazy’. MrBeast said issues occurred during production as several “things we could have done better” in terms of set and location but also added that most problems were extremely overblown. MrBeast added behind the scenes videos will eventually come out demonstrating that some reports made against production and the structure was exaggerated however the many reports and testimonials may provide other viewpoints on production events.