After Inc., the $2 Sequel to Plague Inc., Takes a Gamble on Premium Pricing
A Bold Move in a F2P-Dominated Market
Ndemic Creations' recent release of After Inc. on November 28th, 2024, at a price point of just $2, represents a calculated risk. Developer James Vaughn, in an interview with Game File, openly acknowledged his apprehension about this pricing strategy in a mobile gaming landscape saturated with free-to-play (F2P) titles reliant on microtransactions. The game, a sequel to the immensely popular Plague Inc., depicts a world recovering from the Necroa Virus, offering a brighter outlook than its predecessors.
Despite the seemingly optimistic premise, Vaughn's concerns are valid. The sheer dominance of F2P models presents a significant challenge for premium-priced games. However, the success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc. provided the confidence to proceed, leveraging their established player base and demonstrating continued demand for sophisticated strategy games on mobile. 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."
A Commitment to Value
Ndemic Creations has pledged a commitment to players by ensuring all purchased content remains accessible without additional costs. The App Store listing explicitly states the absence of "consumable microtransactions," and promises that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."
Initial reception has been positive, with After Inc. currently ranking 5th among the App Store's top paid games, closely trailing Plague Inc. and Stardew Valley. It also boasts a 4.77 out of 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 Zombie-Infested UK
After Inc. is a compact 4X grand strategy and simulation game. Players are tasked with rebuilding human society after the devastating events of Plague Inc., establishing settlements across a post-apocalyptic, yet lush, United Kingdom. Ruins serve as crucial sources of building materials, and players must construct essential structures like farms and lumberyards to sustain their burgeoning civilization. Effective resource management and service provision are key to maintaining citizen happiness and prosperity. Players can select from five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, to guide their settlements.
However, the challenge doesn't end there. Zombies pose a constant threat, requiring players to clear them out to secure resources and expand their settlements. Vaughn's reassuring words, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!", encapsulate the spirit of resourcefulness and determination required to overcome this obstacle.
