The venerable creator behind the pandemic simulation sensation known as “Plague Inc.” is embarking on a novel expedition with his latest offering. “After Inc.,” a surprise release on Friday for iOS and Android, charts a different course from its predecessor by focusing on rebuilding in the aftermath of an apocalypse, rather than instigating one.
Described as a blend of 4X strategy and city-building, “After Inc.” immerses players in a world ravaged by a zombie outbreak. As survivors strive to restore civilization amidst the chaos of undead attacks, they must scavenge for resources and progress through various challenges to unlock vital tools for their recovery.
This departure from the contagious gameplay of “Plague Inc.” not only alters the mechanics but also shifts the thematic landscape. While the former game revolved around unleashing a worldwide pandemic—a concept that hits close to home post-COVID-19—”After Inc.” offers a more optimistic outlook on a lush, albeit post-apocalyptic setting. Designer James Vaughan spoke to Gamefile about his new creation, emphasizing the hopeful resilience of survivors as they rebuild, notwithstanding the looming threat of zombies—easily dispatched with a trusty cricket bat adorned with nails.
Additionally, “After Inc.” is slated to debut on Steam as “After Inc.: Revival” in early access next year, allowing Ndemic Creations to refine the gameplay experience and introduce new content. As players eagerly anticipate this expanded edition, they can add it to their wishlist on Steam.
Although Ndemic’s claim to fame lies in “Plague Inc.,” a sensation that tasks players with strategizing the spread of deadly pathogens, their foray into a more constructive realm with “After Inc.” marks a pivotal shift in focus. Despite the game’s engaging complexities, it has also served as a critical tool for examining disease transmission dynamics and has even garnered recognition from esteemed institutions like the CDC.
Following its meteoric rise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Plague Inc.” amassed a staggering player base of 190 million individuals, underscoring the enduring fascination with understanding the intricacies of viral outbreaks. Reflecting on the game’s enduring relevance in light of global health crises, Vaughan noted the surge in player engagement during disease outbreaks, highlighting the public’s quest for knowledge about infectious diseases and epidemic management.
In a noble gesture of solidarity during the pandemic era, Ndemic unveiled a free game mode within “Plague Inc.” dubbed “Save the World,” tasking players with combatting a rampant pathogen to prevent a catastrophic global outbreak. In a joint effort with the World Health Organization, Ndemic spearheaded a public awareness campaign aimed at educating individuals on preventive measures to maintain health and curb infection during pandemics.