A game ‘Among’ many that took ‘Us’ by storm: New game “Among Us” goes viral

BY CAMILA FERNANDEZ

“Join your crewmates in a multiplayer game of teamwork and betrayal!”

“Among Us” is the newest trendy social deduction game that has taken over smartphones everywhere. Although it was originally released on June 15, 2018, it has taken off in light of the increased digitization of the year 2020.

The “Mafia” inspired game has players– supporting from four to ten players at a time– to move their character around a spaceship while working with others to complete mechanical tasks. The twist is that there is a randomly selected “impostor”– or even multiple– in the ship with them, also pretending to help but simultaneously sabotaging and killing off members in secret.  

“For me, it’s something that I play everyday with friends,” CCHS senior Ashna Umar said. “It sounds simple, but every time you play, it’s a different and fun experience.”

Over the last couple of months, “Among Us” has quickly become one of the top games in the Apple App Store charts, recently becoming the #1 free application available for download. It has consumed the internet as its easy-to-understand and addicting nature reeled in millions of users. 

“It sounds simple, but every time you play, it’s a different and fun experience.”

CCHS senior Ashna Umar

“Among Us” can be played with friends or with random people on a server, and has three different “maps” and other settings that further allow players to change each game. For instance, there can be one, two or three impostors in the game, depending on what you prefer. As the impostors are left to chance, everyone has the possibility to be one, making the game rounds fun and unpredictable.

“I love Among Us because it’s a fun game of trickery,” CCHS senior Drew Okun said. “If I’m the impostor, I get to lie about my assignments, and if I’m a crewmate, I get to play detective. It’s a very fun game with a super welcoming fanbase.” 

Each game session lasts a few minutes, depending on how fast and efficient both sides– crewmates and imposters– work. This adds to its addictiveness, as sessions end quickly and players keep wanting to play more. 

The game’s individual customization also adds to its charm. You have twelve colors to pick from for your character, over 40 free hat accessories and additional “pets” and “skins” that cost up to $2.99. Your display name can change every time, and can be anything from simply your real name, a catchy phrase or fun inside joke among your group of friends. 

The features of this mobile app all compile to give players from all backgrounds– including students at CCHS– a fun, enjoyable chance to connect with others virtually and de-stress.

“‘Among Us’ is a really fun game that’s become very popular recently, allowing me to get in a group call with my friends and play a silly game as a distraction from everything else going on today.”

CCHS senior Kirk Dourvetakis 

“‘Among Us’ is a really fun game that’s become very popular recently, allowing me to get in a group call with my friends and play a silly game as a distraction from everything else going on today,” CCHS senior Kirk Dourvetakis said.

Despite the original app being released in 2018, its recognition quadrupled in August 2020 because of the unique circumstances at hand and the positive word-of-mouth everywhere. It’s sudden popularity even led the creators to cancel the upcoming sequel of the game, stating that all their content for it will now be incorporated into the original.

The popularity of “Among Us” remains firm now in October, and probably will until 2021. It can be enjoyed across the world, whether you’re an experienced gamer or not. 

Photo courtesy of The SportsRush