‘Among Us’ was released over two years ago, but only now during the pandemic has the game been exploding in popularity. 

The online multiplayer party game, easily accessible on multiple gaming platforms such as iOS, Android and PC on Steam, was initially released on June 15, 2018. 

Throughout the spring and summer of 2020, the player base has grown exponentially as what was once an indie game has gone mainstream.

“‘Among Us’ is a popular game at the moment and rightfully so,” said player Stephanie Guerra. “It is a great game to stay connected with your friends during these times. The option to modify the game match is one of my personal favorites because having two imposters makes the game more thrilling. The drive to win and survive pushes the game to be excellent, but also just spectating the mystery being solved is fun.”

According to Steam Charts, the game’s concurrent average player base has increased by 130,000 in the span of two months, with an all-time peak of 388,000 playing at once. “Among Us” is now being played on live-streaming platforms daily by the most popular live-streamers, such as xQc and Pokimane, drawing thousands of viewers.

Based on “Mafia,” the classic game requiring teamwork, “Among Us” uses the same formula.  Players are divided into two teams, the crewmates and the imposters. The crewmates team can have anywhere from  4 to 10 players, while the imposters team can have up to three players.

The game’s goals are simple: complete the tasks and stay alive. 

The objective of the crewmates is to complete the tasks given to them, such as electrical rewiring and fueling engines, to prepare their spaceship to launch or identify the Imposter(s) before being murdered.  

The objective of the imposter(s) is to prevent being discovered by crewmates, sabotage their tasks and murder them in the process. Players are also given the cosmetic customization options such as, color, spacesuits, hats, and other features for their character. 

“What makes it so fun is that it is easy to learn, but difficult to master,” said another fan, Griffin Ayson.  “However because of luck and chance, no two games are the same, and no matter how skilled someone is, they still have to get lucky to win either as a crewmate or imposter. I think the mix of skill, luck, and easy ability to play with friends is what makes ‘Among Us’ a great game.”