After Inc., the $2 Sequel to Plague Inc., Takes a Gamble on Premium Pricing

A Risky, Yet Hopeful, Venture

Ndemic Creations' latest release, After Inc., launched on November 28th, 2024, priced at a bold $2. Developer James Vaughn, in an interview with Game File, admitted to reservations about this pricing strategy in a market dominated by free-to-play (F2P) mobile games laden with microtransactions. The game, a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., presents a more optimistic scenario: humanity's rebuilding efforts after the Necroa Virus devastation.

Despite the brighter premise compared to its predecessors, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., Vaughn acknowledged the challenges of a premium model. However, he and his team's confidence stems from the established success of their previous titles. Vaughn 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 Commitment to Value

Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content will be accessible without further costs. The App Store listing explicitly states the absence of "consumable microtransactions" and promises "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever," ensuring complete game progression without additional purchases.

Initial success suggests the strategy may be paying off. After Inc. currently holds a strong position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. Furthermore, an early access version, After Inc. Revival, is slated for a 2025 Steam release, expanding the game's reach to PC players.

Rebuilding Civilization, One Settlement at a Time

After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players take on the challenge of rebuilding human society in a post-apocalyptic UK, utilizing salvaged resources from ruins to establish and manage settlements. The game features various buildings, essential services, and a choice of five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities.

The looming threat of zombies adds a layer of challenge, requiring players to strategically manage resources and manpower to secure territories and expand their influence. Vaughn playfully assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"