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

Plague Inc.'s Less Bleak, Budget-Friendly Sequel

Ndemic Creations' After Inc., released November 28th, 2024, takes a bold step with its $2 price tag. Developer James Vaughn, in a recent interview with Game File, admitted to some trepidation about this pricing strategy. The game, a sequel to the hugely popular Plague Inc., sees humanity rebuilding after the Necroa Virus ravaged the world.

While After Inc. offers a more optimistic premise than its predecessors, Vaughn acknowledges the challenges of a mobile market dominated by free-to-play games laden with microtransactions. However, the team's confidence stems from the proven success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.

"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."

Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content is complete; no additional payments are required. The App Store page explicitly states there are no "consumable microtransactions," and "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever," guaranteeing a complete experience without hidden costs.

Currently, After Inc. holds a strong position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, closely behind Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. It boasts a 4.77 out of 5 rating on Google Play. An early access version, After Inc. Revival, is slated for a 2025 Steam release, bringing the game to PC players.

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 resources from the remnants of civilization to establish and expand settlements. Ruins provide essential materials for construction, and players must build farms, lumberyards, and other structures to ensure the well-being of their citizens. Five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, guide this rebuilding effort.

The challenge? Zombies roam the land, posing a constant threat to resource gathering and expansion. But with sufficient resources and manpower, players can overcome this obstacle and reclaim the world. As Vaughn assures, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"