Among Us propelled into mainstream global success during the COVID-19 pandemic sometime in 2020, two years after its initial release. The game came out in 2018 and has continued to receive updates since, keeping the gameplay fresh for its playerbase.
From an average count of 60 players upon release to over 3 million active players, the game’s meteoric rise to fame is very interesting. Here are the reasons behind the popularity of Among Us.
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The Pandemic Effect
The COVID-19 pandemic confined people around the globe to their homes, consequently, they started seeking new forms of entertainment. Social distancing also meant people needed new ways to interact with their friends and family. Among Us fulfilled these needs, allowing players to connect with each other and have fun together despite the physical separation. The game quickly became everyone’s favorite platform for social interaction.
Twitch streamers and YouTubers played a major role in bringing mainstream attention to Among Us. This wasn’t surprising, as more people frequently tuned into video live-streaming services around the world. Moreover, Among Us being a lightweight game allowed almost every mobile device, even some older ones, to be able to play it. The game didn’t need the latest hardware and software to run smoothly, which was another factor that made it appealing to the masses.
The Post-Pandemic Phenomenon
The year 2020 brought a lot of attention to online games, business, and other internet platforms thanks to the strict lockdown. After everyone resumed their normal lives, Among Us saw a decrease in their playerbase. Innersloth, the developer of Among Us, didn’t stop here, however. They continued to push for new updates that have kept the game engaging and fresh to this day.
The feedback from the player data they received during the game’s heyday laid a foundation for the game’s bright future, especially in the post-pandemic era. Today, the game still receives millions of monthly active users.
The post-pandemic effect was also observed in the iGaming industry, as seen with online casino games at Bovada and the way they surged, as players switched to digital gambling. Similar to Among Us, online casino games like slots and poker have gameplay that is very accessible online, across various devices. The barrier to entry being so low allowed these casino games to experience phenomenal growth. This also meant that these platforms would see a huge number of returning players in the post-pandemic era.
What made online casino games stand out is their responsive sites, as operators focused on offering the same experience on mobile devices and desktops alike. That is, they optimized classic games, such as poker, blackjack, and baccarat, for cross-platform compatibility, making sure the games adjusted well to all kinds of interfaces.
Among Us creators who appear to share the same philosophy initially released their game on iOS and Android and later ported to Windows. The game would eventually be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
The ability to play games on-the-go is sought by many, and there are very few engaging choices available. For these games, all you need is an internet connection to escape into the virtual world of unending thrills and fun.
Regular Updates & Community Engagement
Among Us has regularly received updates that have added new content to the game, including maps, gameplay mechanics, cosmetics, tasks, and customization features. These continuous updates have kept the game fresh and engaging for both new and returning players.
The game developers actively engage with their community and have implemented many requested features, creating a loyal fanbase. Despite being a simple game, Among Us has received numerous quality-of-life improvements in the past few years. Today the game has one of the most active communities out there, this strong sense of loyalty fostered by developers willing to listen is uncommon in the industry where AAA games run the show.
The Cultural Impact
Among Us has a huge presence beyond the gaming world; it has influenced countless memes across the Internet. Its impact on popular culture is known by even those who have never played the game. The game’s funny characters have inspired several works of art in today’s culture across the internet. The game is known for popularizing the term “sus” (short for suspicious), which directly comes from its core gameplay.
The massive success of Among Us can be partly attributed to the memes it birthed. The surprising part is that the game’s terminology is used even today, and it appears it has cemented its place in the zeitgeist.
The Future of Among Us
Among Us has made the social deduction genre popular, we will certainly see more games like this in the future. As for Innersloth, they plan to push more updates into the future and expand the game’s reach in more creative ways. They have collaborated with several other well-known franchises, most recently with Capcom’s Ace Attorney.
These collaborations bring players from different fandoms together, further ensuring exciting gameplay and new opportunities for everyone. Taking all of this into consideration, it seems Among Us will continue to enjoy its success for the coming years.
