After Inc., the $2 Sequel to Plague Inc.: A Risky but Rewarding Venture?

Ndemic Creations' latest release, After Inc., launched on November 28th, 2024, at a daring $2 price point. Developer James Vaughn, in an interview with Game File, admitted to reservations about this strategy in a mobile market dominated by free-to-play (F2P) games laden with microtransactions. The game, a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., presents a brighter outlook, focusing on rebuilding human civilization after the Necroa Virus pandemic.

Despite his concerns, Vaughn and his team proceeded, confident in the success of their previous titles. He 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 key element of their strategy is a commitment to a one-time purchase model. 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 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 expand settlements. Gameplay involves constructing essential buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), managing resources, and ensuring citizen well-being. Players can choose from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities.

The challenge? Zombies. Players must contend with these undead hordes to secure resources and expand their territories. As Vaughn reassuringly put it, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"