It’s hard to believe that few people had heard of Among Us just a few short months ago. Released in 2018 by indie game developer InnerSloth, the social deduction game failed to gain much traction upon its initial release. The among us thumbnail surprised millions; thanks to a recent surge in popularity, Among Us is now one of the most-played games in the world. So, how did this happen? Let’s take a look.
A Perfect storm of Factors
Several factors contributed to Among Us’ recent success. First and foremost, the game is perfectly suited for the current moment. When many people feel isolated and lonely, Among Us offers players a chance to connect with friends and family online. The game can be played with up to 10 players at a time, making it perfect for virtual get-togethers.
In addition, the current global pandemic has led many people to seek out new forms of entertainment that can be enjoyed from the safety of their homes. With its simple graphics and easy-to-learn gameplay, Among Us is the perfect game for people looking for something they can pick up and play without investing too much time or effort. Furthermore, the game’s emphasis on social interaction and teamwork makes it an engaging experience for players of all ages. Much like the Super Mario platformers evolution, which has refined gameplay mechanics over the years while maintaining its classic appeal, Among Us succeeds by keeping things simple yet entertaining. As a result, it has become a popular choice for both casual and dedicated gamers seeking fun and accessible gameplay.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Among Us has benefited greatly from some high-profile endorsements. Popular Twitch streamers like PewDiePie and Sodapoppin have streamed the game to their millions of followers, helping to raise awareness and generate excitement around the title.
Release and Early Popularity
Among Us was released on June 15, 2018, by developers Innersloth. However, the game didn’t have an immediate impact; in fact, for the first year after its release, it was only played sporadically. That all changed in early 2020 when several high-profile streamers and YouTubers began playing the game on their channels. This led to a surge in popularity for Among Us, with the game’s player base growing exponentially.
The COVID-19 Factor
The outbreak of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns and stay-at-home orders also played a role in Among Us’ skyrocketing popularity. With people around the world suddenly having a lot more free time, they were looking for new ways to entertain themselves—and Among Us fit that bill perfectly. The game’s low price point (it costs just $5 on Steam) also made it an attractive option for people suddenly facing financial difficulties.
It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives, including how we play. With social distancing measures in place, many of us have had to find new ways to stay entertained. For some, this has meant turning to video games to connect with friends and family. Others have used this time to explore new hobbies or rediscover old ones. And still, others have used this time to connect with nature, either by spending time in their own backyard or venturing out into the great outdoors. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of options for staying active and engaged during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Famous Streamers who play Among Us
One of the reasons the game has gained so much popularity is because of its accessibility. The game can be played on both mobile devices and computers, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. Another reason for its popularity is its perfect fit for streaming. There are few things more entertaining than watching someone else play a suspenseful game, and that’s exactly what Among Us offers.
If you’re looking for some streamers to watch, here are 5 of the best:
- xQcOW – Felix Lengyel is a Canadian streamer and former professional Overwatch player. He is regarded as one of the top players in the world for The Among Us and is renowned for his funny in-game reactions.
- Valkyrae – Rachell Hofstetter, better known by her online alias Valkyrae, is an American content creator and streamer. She was one of the first big streamers to start playing Among Us and has continued to stream the game regularly since its release.
- Sykkuno – Sykkuno is a Vietnamese-American Twitch streamer and YouTuber who gained prominence for his live reactions and comedic commentary while playing video games. He’s been playing Among Us since its release and often streams with other well-known gamers, such as PewDiePie and Corpse Husband.
- Corpse Husband – Corpse Husband is an anonymous internet personality known for his work on the horror narration YouTube channel called “Corpse Husband.” He’s become one of the most famous narrators on YouTube thanks to his deep, calming voice, which has led many people to dub him “the new Vincent Price.” He started playing Among Us shortly after its release and has since become one of the game’s most popular streamers.
- Pokimane – Imane Anys, better known by her online alias Pokimane, is a Moroccan-Canadian Twitch streamer, YouTuber, and gamer. She’s one of the most popular female gamers in the world and has been playing Among Us since its release.
Who would have thought that an indie game released way back in 2018 would suddenly become one of the most-played games in the world? Yet, here we are. Thanks to a perfect storm of factors—including its timeliness, simplicity, and high-profile endorsements—Among Us has taken the gaming world by storm. Who knows what next year will bring? We can’t wait to find out!
Even though the pandemic is coming to an end, that doesn’t mean we should stop playing Among Us. In fact, there are several reasons why this game is still awesome, even if the pandemic is ending. First, it’s a great way to stay connected with friends. With everyone scattered around the world, it can be hard to stay in touch. But with Among Us, we can meet and play together no matter where we are. Second, it’s a great way to relieve stress. The pandemic has been a stressful time for everyone, and finding ways to relax and unwind is important. For many people, playing Among Us is the perfect way to do that. Third, it’s just plain fun. There’s no doubt about it; playing Among Us is a blast! So whether the pandemic is ending or not, there’s no reason not to keep playing!