Plague Inc. Sequel: $2 Price Tag a Bold Gamble

Description: The Ndemic Creations developer James Vaughn is uncertain about their choice to release After Inc. for $2. Read on to learn more why he proceeded with this pricing strategy despite his reservations.

Plague Inc.'s Less Somber and More Budget-Friendly SequelConcerned About Mobile Game Market Being Oversaturated With F2P Games

Ndemic Creations recently launched After Inc. on November 28, 2024, at a budget-friendly price of $2. However, developer James Vaughn expressed reservations about this pricing strategy in a same-day interview with Game File. The game is a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., set after humanity emerges from bunkers following decades of Necroa Virus devastation.

While After Inc.'s premise seems more upbeat than its forerunners, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., James Vaughn voiced apprehension about its $2 price point. His worries arise from the mobile gaming market's plethora of free-to-play games featuring microtransactions. Despite this, he and his team moved forward, relying on the demonstrated success of their prior games.

"The only reason we could even contemplate releasing a premium game is because we have our existing successes, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., which will aid in game discovery - and also demonstrate that a market exists for clever, complex strategy games on mobile. Without Plague Inc.'s assistance - I believe any game, regardless of quality, would face significant challenges gaining visibility."

Ndemic Creations also pledged that all purchased content would be accessible to players without extra charges. On After Inc.’s App Store page, the developer stated that there are no "expendable microtransactions." They also added, "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever," ensuring player advancement without further cost.

Currently, After Inc. is at the 5th position, closely trailing Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, in the App Store’s Top Paid Games category. The game also boasts a 4.77 out of 5 rating on Google Play. Meanwhile, an early access version titled After Inc. Revival is also slated for release on Steam in 2025, bringing Ndemic Creations’ newest game to PC gamers.

What is After Inc.?

After Inc. is a "mini" 4X grand strategy game blended with simulation, where players must reconstruct human society from the ground up after the events of Plague Inc.. Scattered amidst the remnants of modern human civilization, they must establish multiple settlements across the United Kingdom in a post-apocalyptic world featuring a lush and vibrant environment.

In this game, ruins yield important crafting and building materials such as wood and scrap metals for expanding, creating, and maintaining settlements. There are numerous buildings to jumpstart the revival of human civilization such as farms and lumberyards. Providing essential services is also crucial for keeping the citizens content and well-fed. To top it all off, players can select from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, to lead these settlements.

However, a threat looms. Zombies are roaming the world, and players must eliminate them to ensure the safe gathering of resources and potential expansion of settlements. But with sufficient resources and manpower, players can overcome this menace and reclaim the world. Vaughn reassured players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"