Plague Inc. Sequel 'After Inc.' Debuts at $2

After Inc.: A $2 Gamble in a Free-to-Play World

Ndemic Creations' bold $2 price tag for its new game, After Inc., released November 28th, 2024, has its creator, James Vaughn, feeling a bit uneasy. In a recent interview with Game File, Vaughn voiced concerns about the saturated mobile market dominated by free-to-play (F2P) games and their prevalent microtransactions. After Inc., a sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc., presents a brighter, post-apocalyptic world where humanity rebuilds after the Necroa Virus.

Despite his apprehension, Vaughn and his team opted for the premium pricing model, banking on the success of their previous titles. He acknowledges the crucial role Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. play in visibility, proving a continued demand for sophisticated strategy games on mobile. Without that established player base, he believes even a high-quality game would struggle to gain traction.

The developer assures players of a completely upfront purchase: After Inc. includes all content with no hidden microtransactions. 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 App Store's Top Paid Games category, vying for position with established titles like Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. The Google Play rating stands at a commendable 4.77 out of 5. A Steam Early Access release, titled After Inc. Revival, is planned for 2025, expanding the game's reach to PC gamers.

Rebuilding Civilization, One Settlement at a Time

After Inc. is a 4X grand strategy simulation where players must rebuild human civilization across the UK in a vibrant, post-apocalyptic landscape. Using resources salvaged from ruins, players establish and manage settlements, constructing essential buildings like farms and lumberyards to ensure the well-being of their citizens. Players can choose from five leaders (ten in the Steam version), each with unique abilities.

The challenge? Zombies. Players must contend with the undead threat to secure resources and expand their settlements. But as Vaughn playfully assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"