Just finished the series in one sitting and can say that it's a solid binge watch.
The way you get used to the friendship in the first episodes and then suddenly lose them was a very unexpected turn, for some reason it felt like it was too soon and then the influx of new faces felt a little over the top for me.
But overall the series kept the interest and would watch the season 2, if renewed.
The ending definitely assumes the continuation and sort of the most exciting part of the games. Really liked the final scene with huge cards