Developed and Published by Innersloth
Released 2018
Platforms Android, iOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch
Genre Multiplayer mystery
Awards
Golden Joystick Breakthrough Award 2020
The Game Awards Best Mobile and Best Multiplayer Game 2020
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Video Game 2021
Webby Awards Breakout of the Year 2021
Rating Common Sense Media says this game is appropriate for ages 10+. The Apple App Store rates it for 9+. As a parent and now that Innersloth have updated the chat and username problems, which I address below, I would rate this for 8+.
Plot Summary: Among Us is a multiplayer game that takes place on a spaceship. You and your crewmates have tasks around the ship to complete, such as fixing an electrical issue or cleaning the toilet. But the real task is finding out which crewmate is the Imposter and avoid being killed by that player. Before the game begins, everyone's screen goes black and then each player's screen shows Imposter or Crewmate. Each player knows their own role but no one else's and then the game begins. If the Crewmates complete their tasks before the Imposter has killed everyone, then they win. If the Imposter kills everyone before their tasks are completed then the Imposter wins.
During the game the players can call an emergency meeting during which time they use the chat feature to talk about who the Imposter might be. Then a vote is held and everyone votes for who they think the Imposter is. If the actual Imposter gets enough votes then the crewmates win. If the crew votes for the wrong person, that mate is voted off the ship and the game continues. The Imposter can "vent" from room to room but if they do this in front of a crewmate then they are easily caught. The players must utilize strategic thinking and plan their movements in advance to succeed at Among Us.
Critical Evaluation The first time I played Among Us the game seemed boring and uninteresting, but that was because I was not playing to win. This game is made to be played by people who want to win. Once you are in that frame of mind, then it becomes exciting and feels urgent. And, while the graphics are simple and cartoonish, the smaller screen on a phone makes it harder to play. An iPad or tablet with a larger screen would make the experience not only more enjoyable but would make game navigation easier. Being the Imposter forces you to strategize and rely only on yourself; as a crewmate you must work together to find the Imposter. Having the opportunity to do both makes the game more interesting. Among Us can also be played alone or with a group of friends. Its easy accessibility and the ability to socialize while playing surely accounts for its meteoric rise in popularity during the pandemic.
Creative Use for a Library Program: Playing a real life game of Among Us would be a great way to get teens moving around and talking. All over the internet are printables and ideas to facilitate this, making it an easy event to host. A few rounds of Among Us and snacks would be a fun way for teens to spend an hour or two.
Speed-Round Talk: Who Among Us is the Imposter? Don't be sus, join the game to find out!
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Many parents and even kids complained about the inappropriate use of language in both the chat feature and in the usernames players created. However, an update recently released by Innersloth limits the use of chat with pre-formed phrases and allows you to use only names generated by the game itself. Finally, some people believe that the game is violent because crewmates are killed, but it's all done to cartoonish effect.
Reason for Inclusion: I included this game due to its popularity and accessibility. Because most teens have a smartphone it costs nothing to start playing. Playing a game such as this can promote independent thinking but it also supports social interaction which is critical to teens at this point in their lives.
References
Apple. Among Us! Apple App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/among-us/id1351168404
Innersloth. (2021). Info on Accounts. Innersloth.itch.io/among-us.
https://innersloth.itch.io/among-us/devlog/235010/info-on-accounts
J-F1GHT3R. (2020, October 9,). Good Game, a bit of violence.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/among-us/user-reviews/child?
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