After Inc.: A $2 Gamble in a Free-to-Play World
Ndemic Creations' bold pricing strategy for its latest release, After Inc., has raised eyebrows. Launched on November 28th, 2024, the sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc. is priced at just $2. Developer James Vaughn, in an interview with Game File, admitted to reservations about this decision, citing the mobile gaming market's dominance by free-to-play (F2P) models laden with microtransactions.
Despite his concerns, Vaughn and his team pressed ahead, confident in the success of their previous titles. He acknowledges the importance of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.'s established player base in driving discovery and demonstrating continued demand for premium, strategic mobile games. "Without Plague Inc.'s success," he stated, "any game, regardless of quality, would struggle for visibility."
The developers have committed to a premium model without in-app purchases. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and promises that any expansion packs will follow a "buy once, play forever" policy.
Initial reception has been positive. After Inc. currently holds a strong position in the App Store's Top Paid Games chart, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access release, titled After Inc. Revival, is planned for 2025, expanding the game's reach to PC players.
Rebuilding Civilization, One Settlement at a Time
After Inc. is a compact 4X grand strategy and simulation game. Set in a post-apocalyptic UK, players must rebuild human society amidst the ruins of the old world. Gathering resources from these ruins, players establish settlements, construct essential buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), and manage resources to ensure the happiness and well-being of their citizens. Five unique leaders (ten in the Steam version) offer diverse gameplay options.
The looming threat of zombies adds a layer of challenge, requiring players to secure resources and expand safely. However, Vaughn assures players that even this threat is manageable: "Nothing that can't be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
