Ernest Cline's debut novel 'Ready Player One' is published, introducing the story of a dystopian future centered around a virtual reality universe called the OASIS.
The film adaptation of 'Ready Player One', directed by Steven Spielberg, is released, bringing the story to a wider audience through cinema.
James Halliday and Ogden Morrow create the OASIS, a vast virtual reality universe and the foundational setting for Ready Player One.
James Halliday dies and posthumously announces his Easter egg hunt within the OASIS, promising his fortune and control of the OASIS to the finder.
Players worldwide begin searching for Halliday's Easter egg within the OASIS, marking the central quest of the story.
Wade Watts (Parzival) and his friends Art3mis, Aech, Shoto, and Daito form the High Five alliance to compete effectively against the IOI corporation.
Innovative Online Industries (IOI) officially joins the hunt, using resources and unethical methods to try and find the egg and control the OASIS.
Parzival and the High Five confront IOI forces in the OASIS in a climactic battle to secure the Easter egg.
Wade Watts (Parzival) successfully finds Halliday's Easter egg, gaining full control of the OASIS and Halliday's fortune.
After winning, Parzival becomes the new proprietor of the OASIS, vowing to keep it safe and improve it for all users.
