Schedule I (video game)

Schedule I is an upcoming open-world crime simulator video game developed by Australian developer TVGS (Tyler's Video Game Studio).^[2][3] Released in early access on 24 March 2025 for Windows, the game combines 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.^[4]

Schedule I
Promotional poster
Developer(s)	TVGS (Tyler's Video Games Studios)
Publisher(s)	TVGS (Tyler's Video Games Studios)
Engine	Unity[1]
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

Gameplay

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.^[5] 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.^[6][7]

Story

The game opens with the player living in the desert with their uncle Nelson. After completing the tutorial, Nelson is arrested by the police. The player escapes in an RV and moves to Hyland Point. After Nelson calls from prison, the player's RV is blown up by rival drug dealers, who leave a note warning the player to stay out of their territory. After renting a motel room, the player is left to their own devices while Nelson provides guidance.^{[citation needed]}

Release and reception

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.^[2][8]

The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its minigame crafting system.^[7] 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".^[9]

On 12 May, 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".^[10] 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.^[11] As of July 2025, the restriction has now been lifted, enabling Australian players to experience the game.^{[citation needed]}

Controversy

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.^[12]

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.^[13]