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

After Inc., the $2 Plague Inc. Sequel: A Risky, But Potentially Rewarding Venture

A Bold Pricing Strategy in a Competitive Market

Ndemic Creations' November 28, 2024 release of After Inc. at a price point of just $2 is a gamble, according to developer James Vaughn. In an interview with Game File, Vaughn voiced his concerns about the mobile gaming market's saturation with free-to-play (F2P) models laden with microtransactions. Despite this apprehension, the team proceeded, confident in the established success of their prior titles, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.

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."

The developers have committed to a one-time purchase model, assuring players that all content will be accessible without additional in-app purchases. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and promises that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."

Initial success suggests the risk may be paying off. After Inc. currently holds a top 5 position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, closely trailing Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, and boasts a 4.77/5 star rating on Google Play. A Steam early access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is slated for release in 2025.

Rebuilding Civilization in a Post-Apocalyptic World

After Inc. is a compact 4X grand strategy and simulation game. Players take on the challenge of rebuilding human society in a post-Plague Inc. United Kingdom, utilizing salvaged resources from the ruins of civilization to establish and manage settlements. The game features a vibrant, post-apocalyptic landscape.

Gameplay involves constructing essential buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), providing services to maintain citizen happiness, and managing resources. Players can choose from five leaders (ten in the Steam version), each possessing unique abilities. The ever-present threat of roaming zombies adds another layer of strategic challenge to resource gathering and expansion. As Vaughn playfully assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"