Schedule I (video game)
| Schedule I | |
|---|---|
 Game's poster | |
| Developer(s) | TVGS |
| Publisher(s) | TVGS |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | 24 March 2025 (early access) |
| Genre(s) | Simulation (Economic/Business Tycoon), Crime, Open-World, Comedy |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Schedule I is an upcoming open-world crime simulator video game developed by Australian developer TVGS (Tyler's Video Game Studio).[1][2] Released in early access on 24 March 2025, the game blends business management, tactical strategy, and dark comedy as players build and expand a drug trafficking operation in a fictional setting. The game gained popularity from being livestreamed on Twitch and TikTok.[3]
Gameplay
[edit]Schedule I is a first person game where players assume the role of a drug dealer in the fictional city of Hyland Point. Players grow and manufacture various strains of marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine which can be sold to the city's residents. Drugs can be mixed with various ingredients (such as soda or paracetamol) in order to create unusual comedic effects when smoked, ranging from changing hair color to creating explosions. Players must avoid police officers while selling drugs and are subject to random searches, road blocks, and curfews. If the player is spotted breaking the law they will be "wanted" and subject to arrest, in a system similar to the Grand Theft Auto series.[4] As the game progresses, players may expand their business by hiring various employees such as dealers, cooks, janitors, and botanists; as well as purchasing properties for drug manufacturing and businesses for money laundering.[5][6]
Release and reception
[edit]Following its early access launch, Schedule I quickly rose to the top of Steam's sales charts, with a player count surpassing major titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Monster Hunter Wilds.[1][7]
The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its minigame crafting system.[6] Travis Northup at IGN described that the game "mashes its dark subject matter and dirty jokes with surprisingly cozy management mechanics in a way that works really well".[8]
On May 12 Schedule I became unavailable on Steam in Australia. Initially, it was believed the game had been banned due to its content, with Australian players seeing a notice saying "This item is currently unavailable in your region".[9] The developer later stated that the game was not banned, but temporarily unavailable due to content classification issues, and that they are working on resolving the issues as soon as possible.[10] As of May 15 2025, the restriction has not yet been lifted.
Controversy
[edit]Schedule I has faced scrutiny due to alleged similarities with Drug Dealer Simulator, published by Movie Games SA. The publisher has initiated an investigation into potential intellectual property infringement, citing parallels in gameplay loops and UI design. However, no formal legal action has been taken.
Tyler, the developer behind Schedule I, confirmed contact from Movie Games but noted no further communication. The situation has sparked backlash among players, leading to an influx of negative reviews for Drug Dealer Simulator.[11]
Analysts, including Vice's Shaun Cichacki, acknowledge similarities but argue that such mechanics are common in the genre, noting that Schedule I has been received as the more polished and playable experience.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Bailey, Dustin (26 March 2025). "Schedule 1 is Steam's latest viral hit – an open-world drug dealing simulator with 98% positive reviews, co-op, and a free sample to get you started". GamesRadar. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "TVGS". www.scheduleonegame.com. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
- ^ Alston, Harry (1 April 2025). "Schedule 1 Proves How Important TikTok And Streamers Are For A Game's Success". TheGamer. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ Sarnowski, Melissa (17 April 2025). "Schedule 1 Is the Game That'll Keep Me Busy Until GTA 6". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ Vincent, Brittany (3 April 2025). "What You Need to Know About Schedule I, Steam's Top-Selling Game About Selling Drugs". CNET. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ a b Park, Morgan (31 March 2025). "Schedule 1 is great because it knows crafting sucks unless you turn everything into a fun minigame". PC Gamer. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (31 March 2025). "The Top-Selling Game on Steam Right Now Is Schedule I, an Indie Drug Dealer Simulator With More Players Than Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals". IGN. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ Northup, Travis (14 April 2025). "Schedule 1 Early Access Review". IGN. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ Koepp, Brent (12 May 2025). "'Schedule 1' Developer Responds After Drug-Dealing Sim is "Banned" Temporarily in Australia". VICE. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "One of the biggest games on PC has just been pulled from certain Steam stores, but a fix is in the works". PCGamesN. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Chalk, Andy (7 April 2025). "The turf wars begin: Schedule I is being investigated for possible copyright infringement by the publisher of Drug Dealer Simulator". PC Gamer. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ Cichacki, Shaun (10 April 2025). "I Dove Into Both 'Schedule 1' and 'Drug Dealer Simulator' After the Controversy Started: Which One Takes The Coke... I Mean, the Cake?". VICE. Retrieved 18 April 2025.