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 28th, 2024, priced at a daring $2. Developer James Vaughn, in a recent interview with Game File, admitted to some apprehension about this pricing strategy in today's mobile gaming market.
The game presents a brighter outlook than its predecessors, depicting humanity's rebuilding efforts after the Necroa Virus catastrophe. However, Vaughn's concerns are rooted in the mobile market's dominance by free-to-play (F2P) games laden with microtransactions. Despite these doubts, 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 attempt a premium release," Vaughn explained. "They help players discover our games and prove there's still a demand for intelligent strategy games on mobile. Without Plague Inc.'s established presence, I doubt any new game, regardless of quality, would gain traction."
Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content remains accessible without further costs. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and promises "buy once, play forever" expansion packs.
Initial results are promising. After Inc. currently sits in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, close behind Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, boasting a 4.77 Google Play rating. A Steam early access version, After Inc. Revival, is slated for a 2025 release.
Rebuilding Civilization in After Inc.
After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players rebuild human society across the UK in a post-apocalyptic, yet lush, environment. Ruins provide resources, and players establish settlements, construct buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), and manage essential services to maintain citizen happiness. Five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, guide this rebuilding effort.
The looming threat? Zombies. Players must combat these undead hordes to secure resources and expand their settlements. As Vaughn reassures, "Nothing that can't be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
