Financial genius and coldhearted loner Nicholas receives an unusual birthday present - a gift certificate to play a unique kind of game formulated by the mysterious Consumer Recreation Services.

Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) is a shrewdly successful businessman who is accustomed to being in control of each facet of his investments and relationships. His well-ordered life undergoes a profound change, however, when his brother Conrad (Sean Penn) gives him an unexpected birthday gift that soon has devastating consequences. “Tailored specifically to each participant. Think of it as a great vacation, except you don’t go to it, it comes to you…” There are no rules in The Game.