After Inc., the $2 Sequel to Plague Inc., Takes a Gamble on Premium Pricing
A Bold Move in a F2P-Dominated Market
Ndemic Creations' November 28th 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 the pricing strategy in a mobile market saturated with free-to-play (F2P) games reliant on microtransactions. The game, a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., unfolds in a world recovering from the Necroa Virus, offering a more optimistic premise than its predecessors.
Despite the brighter outlook, Vaughn's concerns about the $2 price tag are rooted in the competitive landscape. However, the success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. provided the confidence to launch After Inc. as a premium title. 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 one-time purchase model, assuring players that all content will be accessible without additional in-app purchases. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and emphasizes that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."
Initial success suggests the strategy might be paying off. After Inc. currently holds a top 5 position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, trailing only Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. The game boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access version, titled After Inc. Revival, is slated for release in 2025, expanding the game's reach to PC players.
Rebuilding Civilization in a Post-Apocalyptic UK
After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players are tasked with rebuilding human society across the UK after the devastation of Plague Inc. Using resources salvaged from ruins, players establish and manage settlements, constructing essential buildings like farms and lumberyards to ensure the well-being of their citizens. Five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, are available to guide this rebuilding effort.
The challenge isn't solely logistical; zombies pose a constant threat, requiring players to strategically manage resources and manpower to overcome this obstacle. Vaughn assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"
