With the official launch of UMD esports, a curious standout has emerged from the roster of usual team games: Among Us. UMD’s official esports team, which also competitively plays Fortnite, Valorant, and Rocket League against other BIG10 universities, included the hit party game to appeal to a wider audience. In an exclusive interview with The Hare, team captain Adrianna Pauling shared what fans can expect.

“We brought Among Us to the competitive scene so that every student on campus can embrace their violent fantasies of killing their friends and getting away with it. Why invest in a $3,000 gaming PC or wallhacks from suspicious Russian websites to ‘git gud’ when you can simply have your phone and a total lack of shame? If that sounds interesting to you, apply today!”

UMD Esports’ strategy appears to be succeeding, as membership applications to the Among Us team have already outpaced every other team combined. Among the initial application data, the common reasons for applying include “meeting new people”, “the esports scholarship”, and “amogus”. 

In another interview, newly-accepted team member Dell Conagher explained what it took for him to be accepted.

“I’ve spent years studying the fine details of the Skeld, MIRA HQ, and Polus. I’ve mastered every technique, including venting, blatant lying, and connecting wires. And not to brag or anything, but I also had the most hats and pets out of everyone. Now that I’m a member of the team, I’m mostly looking forward to whooping Penn State and Michigan’s asses since our football team can’t.”  

Image Credits: Connor Pymm