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' bold move to price its new game, After Inc., at just $2, has raised eyebrows. Released on November 28th, 2024, the sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc. presents a less grim scenario, focusing on rebuilding human society after a devastating virus. However, developer James Vaughn admits to reservations about this pricing strategy in a recent Game File interview.

Vaughn's concern stems from the mobile gaming market's dominance by free-to-play models laden with microtransactions. Despite these doubts, the team's confidence rests on the established success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., games that have proven there's still an audience for premium, sophisticated strategy games on mobile. Vaughn 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 has pledged a commitment to value for money. The App Store listing explicitly states no consumable microtransactions, promising that all purchased content remains accessible without further payments. Expansion packs, they confirm, are "buy once, play forever."

Initial success suggests the gamble might pay off. After Inc. currently sits in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, alongside titles like Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. The game also boasts a strong 4.77 out of 5 rating on Google Play. Furthermore, a Steam early access version, 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 civilization in a post-apocalyptic UK, managing settlements, gathering resources from ruins, and constructing buildings like farms and lumberyards. Citizen well-being is key, and players can choose from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities. The looming threat of zombies adds a layer of challenge, requiring resource management and strategic combat to secure resources and expand. As Vaughn quips, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"