When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune. Wade Watts finds the first clue and starts a race for the Egg, with the help (and sometimes competition) of his OASIS pals, Aech and Art3mis. They are opposed by ruthless corporate giant IOI, whose chief, Sorrento, will stop at nothing to capture control of the OASIS to exploit it for profit.