Among Us, developed by InnerSloth and released in 2018, initially went under the radar, attracting only a modest player base. It’s a simple, yet engaging social deduction game set on a spaceship where players assume one of two roles: Crewmates or Impostors. Crewmates work to complete tasks around the map while Impostors attempt to sabotage their efforts and eliminate them without being caught. Inspired by classic party games like Mafia and Werewolf, Among Us emphasizes teamwork, deception, and social deduction, making it a uniquely interactive and unpredictable experience. Although it was well-designed, Among Us didn’t gain much traction in its early days, largely due to limited marketing and the niche appeal of its genre.

The game’s popularity skyrocketed unexpectedly in mid-2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic. With people worldwide under lockdowns and practicing social distancing, Among Us provided a virtual space for social interaction, fun, and camaraderie. The sudden surge in interest was fueled by popular Twitch streamers and YouTubers who discovered the game and showcased its chaotic, humorous gameplay to millions of viewers. Streamers like Sodapoppin and PewDiePie shared their play sessions with fans, highlighting how Among Us created memorable, often hilarious interactions between friends, and encouraging their audiences to try it for themselves. This exposure transformed Among Us from a niche indie game into a global phenomenon, as viewers eagerly downloaded it to replicate the entertaining social experiences they watched.

One of the reasons Among Us became so popular is its accessibility, both in terms of gameplay and platform availability. The game is easy to understand, with straightforward mechanics and simple controls, which made it accessible to casual gamers and people new to gaming alike. Additionally, Among Us was available on mobile devices for free and on PC for a low price, allowing people to join in without a high cost barrier. Cross-platform play further enabled friends on different devices to enjoy the game together. This accessibility, combined with the social nature of the gameplay, made Among Us particularly suited for a wide range of players, from families and friend groups to online gaming communities.

Ultimately, the game’s success reflects how timely circumstances, social media exposure, and effective gameplay design can lead to a game’s sudden popularity—even years after its release. Among Us offered a form of social connection during a time of isolation, and its structure naturally lent itself to streaming and social media sharing, generating viral moments that kept interest alive. As a result, Among Us became one of the most-discussed games of 2020 and continues to have a lasting impact, inspiring similar social games and establishing InnerSloth as a beloved developer in the indie gaming scene.