The name of the game: Among Us
Creator: Innersloth
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Both Console Platforms XBox and playstation.
Target Audience: Among Us is designed for players aged 10 and above. The game’s simple mechanics, colourful aesthetics, and reliance on social interaction make it appealing to a broad audience, including casual gamers and those who enjoy party games.
Critical Formal Elements:
Among Us is an online multiplayer game that supports 4-15 players. It features a social deduction mechanic where players are split into two groups: Crewmates and Impostors. Crewmates must complete tasks throughout the map while Impostors attempt to sabotage the mission and eliminate Crewmates. Players can take various actions such as moving around, completing tasks, reporting dead bodies, and participating in meetings to discuss and vote off suspected Impostors.
The game is played in rounds, with each round consisting of a task phase and a discussion phase. During the task phase, Crewmates complete their tasks while Impostors try to blend in and create chaos. The discussion phase is triggered when a dead body is reported or a player calls an emergency meeting, allowing players to share information and vote off suspects.s
Among Us differentiates itself from other social deduction games by incorporating unique mechanics. Impostors can use vents to move quickly around the map, deceive Crewmates, and set up traps. Additionally, players can customize game settings, including the number of Impostors, task requirements, and voting time.
Type of Fun:
Among Us is primarily about bluffing, deception, and teamwork. The game encourages social interaction, requiring players to communicate effectively, build trust, and deceive others to achieve their objectives. This combination of strategy and interpersonal skills creates an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience. Among Us capitalizes on two main types of fun: Aesthetics of fellowship and fantasy. Aesthetics of fellowship is established amongst teammates who have established trust between them during gameplay. As the same team members go through completing their set tasks, this idea of trust is amplified. Another aesthetic is fantasy. Although the users clearly know that the background story behind the gameplay is clearly fictional, users invest into the storylines of amongUs to immerse themselves deeper.
Effectiveness and Improvement:
Among Us works well because it taps into the natural instincts of trust and suspicion in social situations. The game’s simple design makes it accessible to a wide range of players while its social deduction mechanics provide depth and complexity. One possible improvement could be the addition of new roles, which would introduce more variety and strategic possibilities.
Comparison to Other Games:
Among Us belongs to the social deduction genre, sharing similarities with games like Mafia, Werewolf, and Town of Salem. However, it stands out due to its unique sci-fi setting and task-based gameplay, which add a layer of immersion and complexity not found in its counterparts. While it may not have the same level of strategic depth as some other games in the genre, Among Us excels in its accessibility and replayability.
Vulnerability:
To succeed in Among Us, players must be willing to take risks and trust their instincts. This requires a certain level of vulnerability, as players must navigate the challenges of deception and uncertainty. The game encourages open communication but also requires caution and discernment to avoid revealing too much information.
In conclusion, Among Us is a fun and engaging social deduction game that stands out due to its unique mechanics and accessibility. Its blend of strategy, deception, and teamwork creates an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. By building on its current strengths and exploring new gameplay possibilities, Among Us has the potential to remain a popular and enduring game in its genre.
