After Inc., the $2 Plague Inc. Sequel: A Risky but Rewarding Gamble?
Ndemic Creations' latest release, After Inc., launched on November 28th, 2024, at a daringly low price point of $2. This strategic move, however, has left developer James Vaughn with some reservations, as he revealed in a recent interview with Game File. The game, a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., casts players into a post-apocalyptic UK, tasked with rebuilding human civilization after the devastating Necroa Virus.
While After Inc. offers a brighter outlook than its predecessors, Vaughn admits concern about the highly competitive mobile gaming market, dominated by free-to-play models and microtransactions. Despite these doubts, the team's confidence stems from the established success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., which provide a strong platform for player discovery and demonstrate continued interest in premium strategy games. Vaughn stated, "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."
Ndemic Creations assures players that all purchased content will remain accessible without further cost. The App Store listing explicitly states the absence of "consumable microtransactions" and promises "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."
Initial results suggest the risk may be paying off. After Inc. currently sits in the top 5 paid games on the App Store, alongside titles like Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, boasting a 4.77 Google Play rating. A Steam early access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is also slated for release in 2025.
What is After Inc.?
After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players must rebuild society across the UK, utilizing resources from the ruins of civilization to establish and maintain settlements. The challenge involves building essential structures (farms, lumberyards), managing citizen needs, and combating the ever-present threat of roaming zombies. Players can choose from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities. As Vaughn playfully notes, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
