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

Ndemic Creations' latest title, After Inc., launched on November 28th, 2024, with a daring price tag of just $2. This bold move, according to developer James Vaughn in a recent Game File interview, is a calculated risk in a mobile market dominated by free-to-play (F2P) games. The sequel to the wildly popular Plague Inc. sees humanity rebuilding after the Necroa Virus devastation.

While After Inc. offers a more hopeful narrative than its predecessors, Vaughn admits to reservations about the $2 price point, citing the prevalence of F2P models laden with microtransactions. However, the success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. gave the team the confidence to proceed. 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 emphasizes a commitment to value, promising no consumable microtransactions. Expansion packs will follow a "buy once, play forever" model. This commitment to upfront pricing is already paying off. After Inc. currently holds a top 5 position in the App Store's paid games chart, alongside titles like Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access release (After Inc. Revival) is also planned for 2025.

Rebuilding Civilization in a Zombie-Infested UK

After Inc. blends 4X grand strategy with simulation, challenging players to reconstruct society across the UK in a vibrant, post-apocalyptic setting. Players scavenge ruins for resources, establish settlements, and manage essential services to keep their citizens thriving. Five unique leaders (ten on Steam) offer diverse strategic options.

The looming threat? Zombies. Players must navigate resource gathering and expansion while fending off the undead hordes. Vaughn's reassuring words: "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"