After Inc.: A $2 Gamble in a Free-to-Play World

Ndemic Creations' new game, After Inc., launched on November 28th, 2024, priced at a daring $2. This bold pricing strategy, however, has left developer James Vaughn with some reservations, as he revealed in a recent Game File interview. The game, a sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc., casts players in a post-apocalyptic UK, tasked with rebuilding human civilization after the Necroa Virus pandemic.

While After Inc. offers a brighter outlook than its predecessors, Vaughn's apprehension stems from the mobile gaming market's dominance by free-to-play (F2P) models laden with microtransactions. Despite these concerns, the team's confidence rests on the established success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.

"Our previous games, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., are the only reason we could even consider a premium release," Vaughn stated. "They help players find us and demonstrate that there's still a demand for intelligent strategy games on mobile. Without Plague Inc.'s success, I doubt any new game, regardless of quality, could gain traction."

Ndemic Creations assures players of a one-time purchase model with no hidden costs. The App Store listing explicitly states "no consumable microtransactions" and promises that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."

Currently, After Inc. 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 version, titled After Inc. Revival, is slated for a 2025 release.

What Awaits in After Inc.?

After Inc. is a blend of 4X grand strategy and simulation. Players must rebuild society across the UK, utilizing salvaged resources from the ruins of civilization to establish settlements and essential services. Five unique leaders (ten in the Steam version) offer diverse gameplay options.

However, the post-apocalyptic landscape isn't without its dangers. Zombies pose a constant threat, requiring strategic resource management and careful expansion. But as Vaughn assures, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"