Lore

THE FINALS takes place about 75 years in the future, roughly around the year 2100. It is the greatest virtual game show on the planet, with a large, global fan base, and considered a window to a bigger world outside of the real one - known as the Meatspace.

Virtual reality is where most people spend their time, and THE FINALS allows them to join as contestants to play in hyper-realistic arenas and fight for fame, money, and the favor of generous seasonal Sponsors. Both THE FINALS and the showrunners appear to be overseen by MultiCo, a company with origins dating back to the 1980s.

Recently, THE FINALS was hacked by a rogue group known as CNS, who claimed they were taking back what was theirs and changed the game by adding new items, maps and modes. Although their existence was acknowledged by MultiCo and THE FINALS commentators, Scotty and June, CNS true motivations are still unknown.

After the CNS take-over, the showrunners brought in cybersecurity experts VAIIYA, to stabilize the game show. During their shutdown attempt, it was revealed that THE FINALS is a sentient AI program capable of defending itself. Under this threat, THE FINALS AI deployed countermeasures that rebooted the system into a different time and era in the 1500s.

Sponsors play a major role in THE FINALS, as they are the main vehicle for the narrative of the game. Sponsors want exposure to the game show's massive audience for their brand and products/services, and sponsored gear is a sign of a success for contestants.

THE FINALS has a diverse cast of characters, including former contestants, patrons, CEOs, mascots, and commentators. Although numerous characters are established, most of their stories remain a mystery.