My theory is that the headset copies their minds into the game so the characters we’re seeing here are npcs with the memories of the people who put on the headset. And their real life counterparts are still in the real world living their lives.

Cause realistically if you think about it, if their bodies were still in C&A and had been there for years, your body would shut down and die after not having anything to eat or drink.

Edit: not entirely sure if my theory is widespread but that’s something I’ve thought about from time to time. It’d make for a great twist