MrBeast's next challenge? Writing a book. See the cover, title, plot.

If popular YouTuber MrBeast and bestselling author James Patterson have anything in common, it’s that they’re both game to try something new. 

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, performs stunts and challenges ranging from spending a week buried alive to gifting private islands to strangers. Patterson is best known for his fiction work, but he’s written nonfiction and even recently dipped into podcasting. He’s collaborated with everyone from former President Bill Clinton to Viola Davis. It makes sense, then, that his next co-author would be Donaldson. 

The duo is publishing a thriller novel, “The Most Dangerous Games,” out Sept. 1 from HarperCollins. A trailer posted to YouTube June 18 teases a plot akin to “The Hunger Games” or a more benevolent “Squid Game.”

MrBeast and James Patterson's book is out in September. What’s it about?

Initially announced in May 2025, Donaldson and Patterson’s collaboration now has a release date, a cover and a title. “The Most Dangerous Games” follows 100 contestants tasked to compete and survive in a relentless arena with both humanity and $1 billion on the line. Light stuff.

In a statement, Donaldson and Patterson teased that fans of Donaldson's real competition survival show would appreciate this “more dangerous” fictional game. Season 2 of “Beast Games” premiered in January, with 200 eager competitors playing to win $5 million. The series has drawn comparisons to “Squid Game” and a fair share of controversy, too. 

But “this is not a show,” the trailer says, of the book's treacherous game. Players risk elimination and death. Could the title be a reference to “The Most Dangerous Game,” the classic 1924 short story in which a hunter becomes prey in a deadly game put on by wealthy aristocrats?

Patterson, in the announcement, said Donaldson has “the best storytelling instincts of anyone I’ve ever worked with.” Donaldson echoed the accolade.

"Growing up, I thought books were boring. As I got into my 20s I realized I was just reading the wrong books and they can be exciting if it’s the right match,” Donaldson said in a statement. “Writing this book with James – who’s literally one of the greatest storytellers on the planet – was an opportunity to create a story that I would've been obsessed with as a kid. I wanted to make something that would draw young people in and get a whole generation psyched about reading again. I think we pulled it off, and I’m so proud of what we made. I hope our fans love it."

"The Most Dangerous Games" is available for pre-order wherever books are sold, and a special edition will go on sale at Target.

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected].