In this episode of Academic Ramblings, we explore the appeal of social deduction games.  Social deduction games (also known as social deception games) are games where players attempt to uncover each other’s hidden role or team allegiance. Commonly, these games are played with teams, with one team being considered “good” and another being “bad”. The aim is to use logic and reasoning to uncover one another’s roles, while other players can bluff to keep players from suspecting them.

A very popular example of this kind of game would be Among Us. It is no secret that Among Us (Innersloth Studios) has been the game of the last few months. There are numerous memes, there were loads of Among Us themed pumpkins at the last Halloween, and celebrities and politicians have started streaming group games. But what is it about these kinds of games that are so appealing?

Turns out, a whole lot.

In this month’s Academic Rambling, we explore the social dynamics and neuroscience behind the appeal of these games.