A Plague Inc. Sequel, 'After Inc,' Releases for $2 in Daring Move by Developers

After Inc., the $2 Plague Inc. Sequel: A Risky Gamble That's Paying Off?

Ndemic Creations' latest release, After Inc., launched on November 28th, 2024, at a daring price point of just $2. This bold strategy, 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 wildly popular Plague Inc., casts players in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity rebuilds after the Necroa Virus pandemic.

While After Inc. offers a brighter outlook than its predecessors, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., Vaughn admits to concerns about the $2 price tag in a mobile market dominated by free-to-play games laden with microtransactions. Despite these doubts, the team proceeded, confident in 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."

Ndemic Creations has committed to a fully upfront pricing model. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and promises that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever," ensuring players get complete access to purchased content without additional costs.

Initial results appear promising. After Inc. currently sits in the top 5 paid games on the App Store, alongside titles like Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is also slated for release in 2025, expanding the game's reach to PC players.

What is After Inc.?

After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players must rebuild human civilization across the UK in a vibrant, post-apocalyptic setting. Utilizing resources scavenged from ruins, players establish settlements, construct essential buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), and manage citizen needs. Players can choose from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities.

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