Assimilating myself into the crowd of people in front of me, I soaked in their excitement- and my own- as we  slowly filtered into the newly opened doors. Most of us have been here much earlier than necessary, unwilling to risk being late. 

I’d personally arrived about an hour early and found myself among the horde of people outside the doors. The tents and snacks suggested that some had even chosen to camp outside the building to secure their places. 

Various discussions about the game were taking place around me as I looked back over the invitation in my hand. 

Hello, 

We want to thank you for your interest in being one of the first to test out our newest product. We would like to formally invite you to our testing facility on August 7th. The address is enclosed within this letter. Please keep the enclosed ticket for admission. 

We hope to see you soon!

- GamePod developers

The enclosed ticket was technology themed, with a black background accentuated by blue accents. The words “Admission ticket,” were written in big bold letters across the front of the paper. 

A glance at the time showed that the doors should be opening any time now. The building in front of me, although large, was unassuming in comparison to the others around it. 

The only unique feature was the darker windows, which I could only assume was to prevent any issues with the games and to prevent glare on any screens inside. 

There wasn’t even so much as a banner or a sign out front. It wouldn’t be much of an exclusive event with visible advertisement, but the need for a ticket would prevent just anyone from getting in. 

This fact also means everyone here today was personally invited. Although with this many of us, the invitations are beginning to feel a lot less personal than I’d originally thought. 

It seems we’d all been sent the same generic message without any care to even personalize them with our names. 

A glance at the line in front of me made it clear that I wasn’t the only one anxiously clutching the invitation. Most people held their invitations within eyesight, warily eyeing those next to them as they waited for the event to begin. 

A number of people scrolled through their phones, a few even discussing the email we’d been sent. 

I’d been surprised to find the message in my email. Scanning over the title, I’d almost dismissed it as spam before remembering I’d applied to be among the first to test out the new gaming console. Upon sending in my response, I received the physical copy in the mail just over a week later. 

The early concept for the console refers to it as the ‘gaming pod’ and allows the user to immerse themselves more fully into the game. Advertising crisp audio and a combination of 3d goggles and graphics projected on the inside, it is supposed to allow the player to feel as though they are in the game. 

Finally I watch as the doors open, revealing four people standing at the entrance to check our tickets. The line in front of me moved quickly and within a few minutes I found myself standing in front of what I could only describe as looking like a security guard. 

“Ticket please.” A monotonous voice greeted me at the door with a hand outstretched. 

The closer I got, the more I noticed that he truly looked like security. Normally, I wouldn’t have expected a security guard to be checking tickets himself, but I could imagine that it may be in the event of any disputes or security concerns.

“Here you go.” As I handed over the ticket, I realized that I had very obviously crumpled it, probably from my excitement. Before I could say anything else, I was pushed forward, the rest of the line eager to enter. 

I couldn’t even be upset, rushing ahead on my own. The game that they’d decided to test is supposed to be the sequel to one of my favorite games of all time. 

I’d always loved RPG’s but A Hero’s Way held a special place in my heart. They hadn’t announced anything but the title of the sequel: Another Way and fans, including myself, can't help but speculate what it’s going to be about. 

A Hero’s Way was the perfect blend of questing and grinding to become the Hero in the fictional world of Victoria. I’d sunk countless hours into the game and plan to do the same with the sequel when it releases. 

This opportunity to get a chance to play the game early was more than I could’ve ever imagined. With a little over a month left until the official release, speculation was at an all time high. Everyone wanted to know what to expect for the new game, and the developers had avoided answering any questions. 

They hadn’t even been posting updates as frequently, only a short post about how many new quests or lines were added. Or in the most recent case, the release date for the game. 

At this point, the hallway segmented into separate security checks. Each of us walked through one by one and I visibly cringed as the machine went off next to me. 

A man similar to the ones out front rushed in apprehending the offending person as the rest of us were ushered forward. We were instructed to bring no electronics and to avoid wearing metals as well. It was clear that someone had decided to ignore the rules. 

Following instructions I’d taken care not to bring any electronics or metals into the room. I’d made sure to even leave my phone outside in the car. 

If we hadn’t been made to sign a non-disclosure agreement, I would have brought my laptop to share my experience with everyone on the forums while the experience is fresh. Even still, I planned to write down all I could remember in my notebook just for future reference. 

Anything I can learn about the game now would give me a head start for my actual playthrough when the game releases. 

As we walked through, I watched as the others in front of me were ushered into rooms. Two or three at a time, until I found myself at the front of the line. 

Following the direction of our guide, I enter the indicated room to find a singular pod. I was surprised with how quickly the door clinked behind me, especially as I was the first so far to enter a room alone. 

I wasn’t about to complain though, I would savor the opportunity to enjoy the game in peace. Stepping toward the pod I try to figure out what I should do next. 

As if motion-detected a voice rang out once I got closer. 

Hello, and welcome. We want to first thank you for your decision to participate in testing our newest gaming console. To begin, you will put on your headset and goggles.

The headset in question was conveniently stored on a hook on what I could only assume was the door to the pod. The goggles were attached to the headset and could be flipped down to activate their features. 

Placing it on my head, I found that the voice continued through the headset speakers. Flipping the goggles down, I activate them and find a variety of controls projected on the goggles surface. 

If needed, you may adjust your volume now. 

Taking this opportunity to familiarize myself with the goggle’s interface, I take note of where the settings are located and make sure to turn the volume up a bit. I didn’t want to miss any quieter sounds in the game, especially as the game developers were known for adding hidden secrets and easter eggs. 

Place your hand on the touchpad on the left of the pod. You may feel a small stinging sensation. You may enter the pod once the door opens. 

Following instructions I place my hand on the electronic touch pad. Almost immediately I felt a sharp stab of pain. 

Ouch! That was more than just a small stinging sensation. It felt as though I was poked by a needle. 

Inspecting my hands I notice a small pin-prick of blood forming. That’s a bug I’ll definitely be reporting at the end of this. Nobody’s going to want to end up bloody every time they want to play. 

A quiet whirring sound fills the room as the pod processes whatever information it just took from me.

Within seconds, there was an audible click and the pod opened. 

Inside, it was very simple. There was enough room to stretch my arms out comfortably with about a foot and a half of extra space on each side. And the ceiling was tall enough that I wouldn’t hit my head even if I jumped. 

My small stature definitely helped make the pod feel more spacious, but I was simply grateful I wasn’t claustrophobic as the pod closed with a small clink behind me. 

Eyes adjusting to the change in light, I focus on the only source of light in the room, a small panel in the wall that was emitting a dim turquoise light.  

As I approach the screen I hear the words echo in my headset. 

Are you ready to begin?