"OASIS is a groundbreaking virtual reality game. It will be a free global gaming platform connecting players everywhere."
"People will be able to enter this virtual world through VR, reinvent themselves, and live lives utterly different from their own. They can even become anyone and do anything."
"OASIS simulates all five senses. It's an interactive game with immense freedom. Players can choose any identity, build wealth, and change their fate!"
"OASIS has a complete economy. Its in-game currency, OASIS Coins, can be exchanged for real money. Players can earn wealth through trading, combat, quests, and more."
"As for the gameplay, there's even more. Players can visit any planet and take part in all kinds of competitions and games."
"From arcade games to shooters, they can relive classic scenes and explore different planets..."
With the two major companies throwing their weight behind it, OASIS promotions appeared everywhere.
Though the goal was global reach, North America naturally came first.
Once they captured the North American market, other regions would follow suit. There was no need to worry about them.
South America, in particular, was practically America's backyard.
Then came Europe and island nations. As America's allies, they still looked up to it in those days.
After all, America called itself the beacon of the world.
Stark Industries had even hired Hollywood stars as spokespeople.
The game had drawn plenty of attention before its release.
Jameson, a student at the University of Southern California, was among those captivated by it.
The moment he saw that OASIS Coins could be exchanged for real money, he recognized a huge business opportunity.
After all, nearly every American college student faced enormous pressure, especially from student loans.
Many had to work for decades to pay off the loans they had taken out as students...
For ordinary people,