When 'Among Us', the enthralling online multi-player game of teamwork and betrayal, burst into the online gaming culture in 2018, the studio behind it, InnerSloth, was a small studio with a small budget, a factor that determined the minimalist art style employed for the game’s visual artwork and characters. 

Minimalist 2D comic art is easier to produce and can still be appealing to gamers if done with style and unique storylines. Among Us’ visual style, while simple and rough around the edges, is also immediately recognizable and charming. Its iconic Crewmates have been widely imitated, parodied, and inserted into fan art. 

After three years of rapid success, as part of a future update, the game’s developer has started working on revamping the artwork, a move that carries both positive and negative aspects for fans. It's not fully clear what the revamp will entail, although InnerSloth has promised "cleaner lines" along with an "easier animation process" that should streamline things on the backend; but a true redesign of Among Us risks alienating longtime players. However, if pulled off correctly, it could win the hearts of both newcomers and veterans.

Some players might not want complex aesthetics as part of the game’s charm is that it is unencumbered with heavy design as many games are wont to be nowadays. Its simple, minimalist appeal, the same one that endeared Twitch and YouTube streamers to it, which spurred its tremendous success years after its debut, stands out and contributes to the popularity of the game. The characters and elements of the game are easily distinguishable and reproduced, making them one of the most recognizable visual comic art pieces and a favorite muse for fan art. An art style revamp might improve it, but this also takes it one step away from the pleasant indie surprise people have come to love.

Ultimately, the reaction of the fanbase will depend on just how dramatically the art changes. If InnerSloth only cleans up the existing art, the effect may be underwhelming - yet satisfying to the nostalgia crowd.

Even as there are literal rough edges in some of the existing characters and objects design, and the animation can sometimes be stiff, the minimalist art style of ‘Among Us’ was a winning jackpot and a breath of fresh air that pushed the game to popularity levels in the crowded and highly competitive online interactive gaming market. Thus, it will be wise for the developers to keep that minimalist touch while giving the aesthetics a more refined look.

If you are a lover of ‘Among Us’ due to its minimalist approach to its visual art, you will love these minimalist art pieces by African artists. You can get them for your homes and offices by purchasing them from Aworanka, the leading online aggregator of African art and art galleries.