After Inc, the Plague Inc Sequel, Priced at $2 in Risky Move for Devs

After Inc.: A $2 Gamble in a Free-to-Play World

Ndemic Creations' latest release, After Inc., launched November 28th, 2024, priced at a daring $2. This bold strategy, according to developer James Vaughn (in a Game File interview), is a calculated risk. The sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc., After Inc. presents a brighter outlook than its predecessors, focusing on rebuilding human civilization after the Necroa Virus pandemic.

Vaughn acknowledges the mobile market's dominance by free-to-play (F2P) games laden with microtransactions. However, he and his team are banking on the established success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. to attract players and demonstrate a continued demand for premium, sophisticated strategy games on mobile. He states: "The only reason we can even consider releasing a premium game is because we have our existing juggernauts... which will help players find our games - and also show that there is still an appetite for intelligent, sophisticated strategy games on mobile."

Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content is complete; there are no hidden costs. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and confirms that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."

Initial success is promising. After Inc. currently holds a top 5 position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, trailing closely behind Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. Google Play users have awarded it a 4.77 out of 5 star rating. A Steam Early Access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is slated for release in 2025.

What is After Inc.?

After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players rebuild human society in a post-apocalyptic UK, utilizing salvaged resources from ruins to establish and manage settlements. The game features a vibrant, lush environment despite the post-apocalyptic setting. Players construct buildings like farms and lumberyards, manage essential services, and choose from five leaders (ten in the Steam version), each with unique skills.

The challenge? Zombies. Players must combat these undead threats to secure resources and expand their settlements. Vaughn assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"