Ndemic Creations has recently launched After Inc., a sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc., at a budget-friendly price of just $2. Released on November 28, 2024, this game offers a more optimistic narrative where humanity emerges from bunkers after the Necroa Virus has ravaged the world. However, the developer, James Vaughn, expressed reservations about this pricing strategy during an interview with Game File on the same day. His concerns are rooted in the mobile gaming industry's saturation with free-to-play (F2P) games, which often rely heavily on microtransactions.
Despite these doubts, Vaughn and his team proceeded with the $2 price tag, bolstered by the success of their previous titles, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.. "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," Vaughn explained.
Ndemic Creations has promised that all content in After Inc. will be available to players without additional payments. On the game's App Store page, the developer highlighted the absence of "consumable microtransactions" and assured players that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever," ensuring uninterrupted progression without further costs.
Currently, After Inc. ranks fifth in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, closely trailing behind Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. The game also boasts an impressive 4.77 out of 5 rating on Google Play. Additionally, an early access version titled After Inc. Revival is scheduled for release on Steam in 2025, expanding the game's availability to PC players.
What is After Inc.?
After Inc. is a "mini" 4X grand strategy game combined with simulation elements, where players are tasked with rebuilding human society from scratch in a post-apocalyptic setting. Set in the remnants of modern civilization across the United Kingdom, players must establish and manage multiple settlements in a lush and vibrant world.
Ruins scattered throughout the game environment serve as vital sources of crafting and building materials such as wood and scrap metal, essential for expanding and maintaining settlements. Players can construct various buildings like farms and lumberyards to kickstart the revival of human civilization. Ensuring the happiness and nourishment of citizens through essential services is also crucial. Moreover, players can select from five different leaders (ten on the Steam version), each with unique abilities, to lead their settlements.
However, the game introduces a looming threat in the form of zombies that players must combat to safely gather resources and expand their settlements. With adequate resources and manpower, players can turn the tide against these undead foes and reclaim the world. As James Vaughn humorously noted, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
