In 2020, Among Us exploded into mainstream culture — from Twitch streams and memes to late-night talk shows. But by 2022, its buzz faded. So, what caused its meteoric rise… and why did it lose momentum?
Let’s start with the perfect storm. The pandemic locked people indoors. Suddenly, a low-spec, social deduction game became the perfect way to connect and laugh with friends. Among Us was accessible, cheap (or free), and incredibly meme-worthy. It wasn’t new — it had been out since 2018 — but the timing made it go viral.
The core gameplay — lying, deduction, and chaos — hit a sweet spot. You didn’t need great aim or fast reflexes. You just needed suspicion and a little acting. “Sus” became part of everyday slang.
But then… the hype burned fast. Why?
- Lack of content updates. While the devs did add new maps and features, they came slowly — and expectations were sky-high.
- Repetition. Once you’ve played 100 games, the surprise and novelty wear off.
- Streamer fatigue. Many big names who boosted the game moved on to other titles.
- No ranked or progression systems — nothing to grind, no long-term engagement.
Still, Among Us isn’t dead — it carved out a genre and still thrives in schools, parties, and casual gaming circles. It’s a modern classic — short-lived at the top, but forever “sus” in our hearts.
