Introduction

In 2020, the online multiplayer game Among Us took the gaming world by storm, becoming one of the most popular games of the year. While the game originally launched in 2018, it wasn’t until the global pandemic that it gained widespread recognition. Among Us combines elements of social deduction, strategy, and deception, creating an engaging experience for players who must work together to identify a hidden traitor among their ranks.

Its accessibility, simple mechanics, and social nature made it an instant hit across all age groups and platforms. This article explores the origins of Among Us, its gameplay mechanics, the owners of the game, the use of cheat codes, and its global popularity.

The Origins and Launch of Among Us

Among Us was developed and published by InnerSloth, a small independent game studio based in Redmond, Washington. The game was first released on June 15, 2018, but initially received only a modest following. It was designed to be a multiplayer game where players are assigned one of two roles: crewmates or impostors.

The crewmates work together to complete tasks on a spaceship, while the impostors sabotage their efforts and attempt to eliminate the crewmates without getting caught. The social deduction and hidden role mechanics set the game apart from other titles, but it didn’t immediately capture the attention of a large audience.

Despite the game’s unique mechanics, Among Us did not gain mainstream success until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. With many people stuck at home and looking for new ways to connect with friends, Among Us quickly became a popular game for social gatherings. Its simple gameplay mechanics and ability to be played cross-platform on PC, mobile, and consoles contributed to its rapid growth in popularity.

In particular, streamers and YouTubers played a major role in promoting the game. Popular figures such as PewDiePie, Ninja, and Pokimane began playing Among Us on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, which exposed the game to a broader audience and helped it go viral. By the end of 2020, Among Us had become one of the most-streamed games on Twitch and amassed millions of active players worldwide.

The Developer and Owner: InnerSloth

Among Us was created by InnerSloth, a three-person independent studio that consists of Forest Willard (programming), Marcus Bromander (art), and Amy Liu (design). The team originally worked on other projects, but their experience with smaller games led them to create Among Us as a social deduction game that could be easily played by groups of friends.

InnerSloth initially developed the game as a party game with the aim of creating a simple yet fun experience that anyone could enjoy. The development team took inspiration from party games like Mafia and Werewolf, which involve players working together to figure out who among them is a hidden traitor. The simplicity of the mechanics allowed players to focus on the social aspects of the game, such as deception and trust.

Though the game initially launched in 2018, the pandemic gave it a second chance to become a cultural phenomenon. As the game’s popularity surged, InnerSloth began adding new content, including maps, skins, and game modes, to keep players engaged. Their ongoing support and frequent updates have contributed to the game’s long-lasting appeal, keeping it relevant even years after its release.

While Among Us took the gaming world by storm with its social deduction mechanics, another iconic franchise, The Legend of Zelda, has captivated players for decades with its immersive adventure and puzzle-solving gameplay.

How to Play Among Us

Among Us is a social deduction game that revolves around teamwork, deception, and betrayal. The game’s mechanics are simple to learn, but its complexity comes from the players’ ability to communicate and figure out who the impostors are.

1. Game Setup and Roles: Each game of Among Us is played on a map with 4 to 10 players. Before the game begins, each player is randomly assigned one of two roles: crewmates or impostors. The crewmates’ goal is to complete tasks around the map while trying to identify the impostors. The impostors’ goal is to sabotage the crewmates’ efforts, kill crewmates, and avoid being caught. The number of impostors in each game is typically one or two, depending on the number of players.
2. Tasks: Crewmates must complete a series of tasks scattered throughout the map. Tasks are simple mini-games that involve solving puzzles, such as wiring up electrical systems, fixing engines, or swiping keycards. Completing all tasks is one of the ways the crewmates can win the game.
3. Sabotages and Kills: Impostors can sabotage the map by causing issues like disabling the lights or draining oxygen. These sabotages make it harder for crewmates to complete tasks and can create opportunities for impostors to eliminate crewmates without being noticed. Impostors can also kill crewmates, which is a key strategy for winning the game.
4. Meetings and Discussions: When a body is found or a sabotage is triggered, players can call a meeting to discuss the situation. During these meetings, players share their suspicions and try to figure out who the impostors are. Players can vote to eject someone from the game if they believe that person is an impostor. The crewmates win if they successfully eject all the impostors, while the impostors win if they kill enough crewmates or sabotage the game to the point where it cannot be completed.
5. Communication: The success of Among Us largely depends on the ability of players to communicate effectively. The game encourages strategic discussion and deception, as impostors must lie and manipulate the other players, while crewmates must use their observation skills to determine who the impostors are. Players can chat in real-time during the game or use voice communication tools like Discord to discuss suspicions and tactics.

Cheat Codes, Hacks, and How to Avoid Them:Among Us

While Among Us does not have official cheat codes like some traditional games, certain players may use hacks or exploits to gain an unfair advantage. Some common cheats and hacks include:

1. Impostor Hacks: Some players use cheats that increase the chances of being assigned the role of an impostor, allowing them to manipulate the game’s randomness. These hacks can be disruptive and unfair to other players who are playing the game as intended.
2. Speed Hacks: Speed hacks can make players move faster than normal, making it difficult for crewmates to complete tasks or for impostors to avoid detection. Speed hacks can also make it harder to catch a player committing a murder.
3. Vision Hacks: Some cheats allow players to see the entire map or the locations of other players, which gives them an unfair advantage in locating victims or avoiding detection. This is particularly problematic for impostors, as they can easily track down crewmates.
4. Using External Programs: There are also external programs that claim to give players an advantage, such as generating fake votes during meetings. These programs can manipulate the voting system and make it difficult for crewmates to figure out who the impostors are.

How to Avoid Cheating: The best way to avoid cheats and hacks is to play Among Us in a safe and trusted environment. Always play with friends or people you trust, and avoid downloading third-party software that promises to give you advantages. Additionally, Among Us has an in-game reporting system that allows players to report cheaters or disruptive players.

InnerSloth is dedicated to maintaining a fair and enjoyable environment, regularly banning accounts involved in cheating or using hacks.

Popularity and Usage in Countries

Among Us became a global sensation, with players from all over the world flocking to the game for its social nature and fun gameplay. The game’s accessibility on multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, and console, helped it reach a diverse audience. Here are some of the countries where Among Us has been most popular:

1. United States: The United States has been one of the largest markets for Among Us, with millions of players engaging in the game across platforms. The rise of Twitch streamers and YouTube personalities playing Among Us has contributed to its immense popularity in the country.
2. India: In India, Among Us gained rapid popularity, especially during the pandemic when mobile gaming surged. The game’s accessibility on smartphones and its ability to be played with friends made it a popular choice among Indian players.
3. Brazil: Brazil is another country where Among Us has seen tremendous success. The game’s social nature and the ability to play with friends have made it popular among Brazilian gamers. Brazilian players also engage heavily with the game on streaming platforms.
4. Mexico: Among Us has been extremely popular in Mexico, where mobile gaming is a dominant pastime. The game’s simplicity and fun factor have made it a hit among Mexican players, particularly in casual gaming communities.
5. United Kingdom: The UK has also embraced Among Us, with players enjoying the game’s strategy and communication elements. The game’s popularity among streamers in the UK has further fueled its growth in the region.
6. Japan and South Korea: While Among Us is not as dominant in Japan and South Korea as it is in Western countries, it has still gained a significant following, especially among younger players. Both countries have thriving gaming cultures, and Among Us’s ability to be played in short, casual sessions appeals to gamers in these regions.

Conclusion

Since its initial release in 2018, Among Us has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players from around the world. Its unique blend of social deduction, strategy, and deception has created an engaging and memorable gaming experience that continues to captivate players. While the use of cheats and hacks can disrupt the game, Among Us remains one of the most popular and accessible multiplayer games available today. Its ongoing success is a testament to the power of social gaming, and it continues to be a beloved title across the globe.