After Inc., the $2 Plague Inc. Sequel: A Risky, But Potentially Rewarding Venture
Navigating a Saturated Mobile Market
Ndemic Creations' November 28, 2024 release of After Inc. at a price point of $2 is a bold strategy, one that developer James Vaughn admits he's not entirely confident about. In a Game File interview, Vaughn voiced concerns about the mobile gaming market's heavy saturation with free-to-play (F2P) models reliant on microtransactions. This sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc., set in a post-Necroa Virus world, presents a brighter, more optimistic premise than its predecessors. However, the $2 price tag, in Vaughn's view, presents a significant challenge.
Vaughn's confidence, however, stems from the established 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... which will help players find our games - and also show that there is still an appetite for intelligent, sophisticated strategy games on mobile."
A Premium Model with a Commitment to Value
Ndemic Creations has committed to a premium model with no consumable microtransactions. The App Store listing explicitly states that expansion packs follow a "buy once, play forever" policy, ensuring players receive complete content without additional costs.
Initial reception appears promising. After Inc. currently ranks among the top paid games on the App Store, and boasts a strong 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is slated for release in 2025, expanding the game's reach to PC players.
Rebuilding Civilization in a Post-Apocalyptic UK
After Inc. is a 4X grand strategy simulation where players rebuild human society after the devastation of Plague Inc. Players establish multiple settlements across the UK, utilizing salvaged resources from ruins to construct essential buildings like farms and lumberyards. Maintaining citizen happiness and well-being is crucial. Five leaders (ten in the Steam version), each with unique abilities, guide the settlements' development.
The looming threat of zombies adds a layer of challenge, requiring players to manage resource gathering and expansion while combating the undead. As Vaughn assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
