Nicholas Van Orton 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 gives him an unexpected birthday gift that soon has devesting consequences. As Nicholas begins playing the game, he discovers that it has very high stakes, although he isn't certain of the rules or even the object. Nicholas soon finds that he is being monitored in his own home by unknown conspirators that seem intent on dismantling his very existence. The Game becomes an enigmatic life or death contest that will change his life forever.