A popular online game has swept over campus pulling in players from every age and grade. The multiplayer “social deduction” game Among Us, made popular by Twitch streamers, involves users taking the role of Crewmates aboard a spaceship.

Players must complete a series of tasks through multiple short rounds. Among them, however, hides a disguised imposter alien whose objective is to kill every other crew member, blending in by completing tasks. (See why the game is named Among Us?) The crew must then deduce through collaboration who the imposter is, during discussion sessions between rounds.

One Combs’ player explained the joy and attractiveness of Among Us.

“There’s a certain adrenaline rush you get when you’re imposter,” senior Ariana Cecelic said.

But another player enjoys a different aspect of it, “It’s like Uno, you make stronger friendships by screwing them over,” senior Olivia Newell said.

Challenging potential imposters and creating a process of strategy makes Among Us both enjoyable and addicting, even more so when engaging with friends.

“I’ve found that playing games with others can bring everyone together and strengthen friendships/bonds,” one user said. From theories to memes, Among Us is uniting individuals with a common love for mystery and video games.

“It’s just a wholesome game tons of people can enjoy together,” Cecelic said.

Because it relies on in-game discussion, players are forced to interact with each other one way or another, creating a seamless segue into more personal discussions.

“Conversations tend to stray away from just gameplay. Discord servers are popular to link with people you’ve met on Among Us and overall [Among Us] is super effective at creating long lasting friendships,” Cecelic said.

“I’ve played with random kids in my class and it makes it easier to connect,” senior Breanna Varley said.

Among Us even hides in conversation.

“I’ve heard allusive quotes from the game like ‘you’re the imposter’ or ‘pink sus’ being used and I love it,” Cecelic said.

However, It isn’t the first time that a video game has become so popular.

Fortnite also had a similar effect on campus where it reached the ears of almost every student.

But “Overall, the people’s discovery of this game has been another big ticket item, and I wholly believe that, as Gen Z, we will continue to find games that spark curiosity and influence the way we act,” Cecelic said.