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

After Inc., the $2 Sequel to Plague Inc., Takes a Gamble on Premium Mobile Gaming

A Risky, Yet Hopeful, Venture

Ndemic Creations' recent release of After Inc. on November 28th, 2024, at a price point of just $2, is a bold move in today's mobile gaming market. Developer James Vaughn, in an interview with Game File, openly admitted his apprehension about this pricing strategy. The game, a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., presents a more optimistic scenario: humanity's rebuilding efforts after the devastating Necroa Virus.

Despite the seemingly brighter premise compared to its predecessors, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., Vaughn voiced concerns about the market's saturation with free-to-play (F2P) games and their reliance on microtransactions. However, the team's confidence stems from the proven success of their earlier titles. Vaughn stated, "The only reason we can even consider releasing a premium game is because we have our existing juggernauts of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. which will help players find our games - and also show that there is still an appetite for intelligent, sophisticated strategy games on mobile. If we didn't have Plague Inc. to help - I think any game, no matter how good it is, would really struggle to get noticed."

A Commitment to Value

Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content will remain accessible without further costs. The App Store listing explicitly states the absence of "consumable microtransactions" and highlights that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."

Initial reception has been positive. After Inc. currently holds a strong position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, closely trailing Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. It also boasts a 4.77 out of 5 rating on Google Play. Furthermore, a Steam Early Access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is slated for release in 2025, expanding the game's reach to PC players.

Rebuilding Civilization, One Settlement at a Time

After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation gameplay. Players take on the challenge of rebuilding human society in a post-apocalyptic UK, utilizing the remnants of civilization to establish and manage settlements. Resource management, building construction (farms, lumberyards, etc.), and citizen well-being are crucial elements. Five leaders (ten in the Steam version), each with unique abilities, are available to guide the rebuilding efforts.

The looming threat of zombies adds another layer of challenge, requiring players to secure resources and expand safely. However, Vaughn assures players that even this challenge is surmountable: "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"