After Inc.: A $2 Gamble in a Free-to-Play World
Ndemic Creations' latest release, After Inc., a sequel to the popular Plague Inc., launched on November 28, 2024, with a surprising price tag: just $2. This bold move, however, has left developer James Vaughn with some reservations, as he shared in a recent interview with Game File. The game presents a brighter outlook than its predecessors, depicting humanity's rebuilding efforts after the Necroa Virus pandemic.
The decision to price After Inc. at $2 is a gamble in a mobile market dominated by free-to-play (F2P) games and microtransactions. Vaughn acknowledges this saturated landscape, but the team's confidence stems from the success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.
"Our existing games, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., are the only reason we could even consider a premium release," Vaughn explained. "They help players find our games and demonstrate that there's still a demand for sophisticated strategy games on mobile. Without that established presence, I believe any new game, regardless of quality, would struggle to gain attention."
Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content will be accessible without further payments. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and promises that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."
Initial reception has been positive. After Inc. currently sits in the top 5 paid games on the App Store, alongside titles like Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is also planned for 2025.
What Awaits in After Inc.?
After Inc. is a 4X grand strategy simulation where players rebuild society in a post-apocalyptic UK. Utilizing resources from ruins, players establish settlements, construct essential buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), and manage citizen needs. Five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, guide this rebuilding process.
The challenge? Zombies. Players must combat the undead threat to secure resources and expand their settlements. As Vaughn assures, "Nothing that can't be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
