Who Owns Among Us?

Among Us was developed by InnerSloth and initially released on June 15, 2018, for iOS and Android devices. The game was created by a small team of three developers and was inspired by party games like Mafia and Werewolf, adapting the social deduction concept to a digital multiplayer format. The development team aimed to create a game that was accessible, fun, and encouraged social interaction among players. This innovative approach to adapting classic party game mechanics to digital multiplayer formats demonstrated InnerSloth's ability to identify and successfully execute on emerging gaming trends and player preferences.

For the first two years after release, Among Us maintained a small but dedicated player base, with gradual growth through word-of-mouth and mobile gaming communities. The game was later ported to PC in November 2018, expanding its potential audience and introducing the game to the Steam gaming community. During this period, InnerSloth continued to update the game with new features and improvements based on player feedback. This patient approach to game development and community building demonstrated InnerSloth's commitment to long-term game support and player satisfaction rather than pursuing rapid commercial success.

The breakthrough moment came in mid-2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Among Us experienced explosive growth in popularity. The game became a viral sensation through Twitch streams and YouTube content, with major content creators discovering and sharing the game with their audiences. The pandemic's social distancing requirements created perfect conditions for a game that allowed friends to connect and interact online while engaging in collaborative and deceptive gameplay. This viral success demonstrated how external social conditions could dramatically impact game popularity and how well-designed social games could meet emerging social needs during challenging times.

By late 2020, Among Us had become a global cultural phenomenon with hundreds of millions of players worldwide. The game's success led to an unusual decision by InnerSloth in September 2020 to cancel the planned Among Us 2 sequel and instead focus on improving and expanding the original game. This decision reflected the studio's commitment to their existing player community and their recognition that the original game still had significant potential for growth and improvement. This unconventional approach to game development showcased InnerSloth's player-first philosophy and their willingness to make unconventional business decisions to better serve their community.

The game's continued success has led to numerous updates, new maps, roles, and features, maintaining its relevance and popularity in the competitive gaming landscape. Among Us has also expanded to console platforms, further broadening its accessibility and player base. This sustained success and continuous improvement demonstrates InnerSloth's ability to maintain long-term engagement with their player community while adapting to changing gaming trends and platform opportunities.