Pandemic Puzzle: Plague Inc. Sequel Unveiled for $2

After Inc., the $2 Plague Inc. Sequel: A Risky, But Potentially Rewarding Venture

A Bold Pricing Strategy in a Competitive Market

Ndemic Creations' November 28th, 2024 release of After Inc. at a price point of just $2 has raised eyebrows. Developer James Vaughn, in an interview with Game File, admitted to reservations about this pricing strategy in a mobile market dominated by free-to-play (F2P) games laden with microtransactions. After Inc., the sequel to the wildly successful Plague Inc., presents a comparatively optimistic scenario – humanity rebuilding after the Necroa Virus – but the developer's concerns about market saturation are understandable.

Vaughn's confidence, however, stems from the established success of Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc.: "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." He acknowledges that without the prior successes, even a high-quality game would struggle for visibility.

A Premium Experience, No Hidden Costs

Ndemic Creations has committed to a premium experience without additional costs. The App Store listing explicitly states the absence of consumable microtransactions, promising that "Expansion Packs are buy once, play forever."

Initial reception has been positive. After Inc. currently holds a strong position in the App Store's Top Paid Games category, and boasts a 4.77/5 rating on Google Play. A Steam early access release, titled After Inc. Revival, is planned for 2025.

Rebuilding Civilization, One Settlement at a Time

After Inc. is a 4X grand strategy simulation game where players rebuild human society in a post-apocalyptic UK. Players manage settlements, gather resources from ruins, construct essential buildings (farms, lumberyards, etc.), and provide services to maintain citizen happiness. Five leaders (ten on Steam), each with unique abilities, are available to guide the rebuilding effort.

The challenge? Zombies. Players must combat the undead threat to secure resources and expand their settlements. As Vaughn assures players, "Nothing that can’t be solved with some nails stuck in a cricket bat!"