Plague Inc Sequel 'After' Surprises With $2 Price Shock

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

A Bold Pricing Strategy in a F2P-Dominated Market

Ndemic Creations' November 28, 2024 release of After Inc. at a price point of just $2 is a calculated risk, according to developer James Vaughn. In a Game File interview, Vaughn admitted to reservations about this pricing strategy in a mobile market saturated with free-to-play (F2P) games reliant on microtransactions. The sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc., After Inc. presents a more optimistic scenario, depicting humanity's rebuilding efforts after the Necroa Virus pandemic.

Despite his concerns, Vaughn and his team proceeded, confident in the established success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. 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 is complete, with no additional costs. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."

Early success suggests 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, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access version, After Inc. Revival, is slated for release in 2025.

What Awaits in the Post-Apocalyptic UK?

After Inc. is a compact 4X grand strategy and simulation game. Players rebuild human civilization across the UK, utilizing salvaged resources from ruins to establish and expand settlements. Essential services, farms, and lumberyards are crucial for maintaining a thriving population. Players can choose from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities.

The challenge? Zombies. Players must contend with these undead threats while securing resources and expanding their settlements. As Vaughn playfully assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"