When Hal Emden hears about a contest that offers winners the chance to test the newest game from his favorite designer on a cutting edge, unprecedented virtual reality system, he had to try his luck.

Surprisingly, he wins. A full week, all expenses paid to play the fully immersive game Tides of Magic Online.

He is now about to play at a what might be the largest live gaming press event of all time, which is swarming with journalists, online personalities and other contest winners. What could possibly go wrong? I mean, it's not like Elwin, the creator of the game and series, is an insane psychopath intent on trapping them in his virtual world for purposes unknown... right?