What is Among Us?
Among Us is a multiplayer game, released in 2018, that has gained immense popularity, especially among children and teens. It combines elements of teamwork and deception, making it both engaging and social.
The game takes place in various settings, including a spaceship, a space station, and a planetary base. Each setting features different tasks and map layouts, adding variety to the gameplay.
The environments are designed with a simple, cartoony, colorful style, making them visually appealing and easy to navigate. It’s a game of strategy, teamwork, and fun deception that brings people together in a unique way.
The characters in the game are very characteristic and popular outside the game too, used for merchandise and other cultural elements for children and teens.
How to play
The game Among Us is very similar to the TV programme Traitors. Both games revolve around deception and imposters. Among Us is set in a space-themed environment where players take on one of two roles: crewmates or impostors.
The game is played with 4 to 15 players. Entering the game, players will randomly be assigned one of these two roles, and the objective varies depending on the role assigned in the game.
The crewmates’ goal is to complete a series of tasks scattered throughout the spaceship or space station. Tasks can include simple mini-games like fixing wiring or refueling engines. Crewmates must work together to complete these tasks while also identifying the impostors.
The impostors’ objective is to sabotage the mission and eliminate crewmates without getting caught. They can fake tasks, create chaos, and use vents to move around the map quickly. Impostors win if they reduce the number of crewmates to equal the number of impostors or if they successfully sabotage key components of the ship.
The primary purpose of the game is to uncover who among the players is the impostor, or for the impostor to secretly kill crewmembers. The game involves a mix of strategic gameplay, communication, and deception. It’s a social deduction game where players must use their observation skills and communication to figure out who the impostors are.
The excitement of trying to figure out who the Impostors are, along with the strategy of hiding one's true role, makes for a dynamic and engaging experience. The social aspect, discussing suspicions and defending oneself, adds a layer of intrigue and interaction that keeps players engaged.
Among Us is best enjoyed with others. It’s a multiplayer game where players can join games with friends or with strangers online. Communication via chat is key, as players must discuss and vote to eject suspected impostors during meetings. The game can be played on various platforms, including PC, mobile devices, and the Nintendo Switch console.
Recommended age
Among Us is rated for ages 10 and up. It’s suitable for older children and teens who can handle social deduction, discussions, and chats with other online players. Younger children may find the deception and strategy elements challenging, and might not be old enough to interact with strangers.
What to be aware of
While the game is generally family-friendly, there are a few things to consider:
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Communication and behavior: The game involves discussions and accusations that can sometimes lead to heated debates. It’s important for players to practice good sportsmanship and respect others during gameplay.
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In-game purchases: The game is free on mobile devices but offers in-game purchases for cosmetic items and skins. It’s a good idea to monitor any spending when playing on platforms where purchases are possible.
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Online interaction with strangers: Any player can join an online game, so you will often be playing with strangers. Adding the element of negotiation, deception, and accusation means that players should have the maturity to understand and handle this part of the game.
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Screen time: As with any game, managing screen time is important. Each Among Us game is often short, but if your child is a big fan of the game, they might be tempted to join one game after the other.
Key terminology
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Tasks: Activities that crewmates must complete to win the game.
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Sabotage: Actions taken by impostors to create chaos or hinder the crewmates’ progress.
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Emergency meeting: A meeting called by players to discuss suspicions or report a problem. This is where players vote to eject someone they believe is an impostor.
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Vent: A special feature that allows impostors to move quickly between locations and avoid detection.
