Schedule I: Rise of a Drug-Dealing Empire Simulator
Introduction
Schedule I is an open-world
drug-dealing simulator game developed by TVGS and released in
Early Access on Steam in March 2025. In this crime-themed indie title, players build a criminal empire from the ground up in the fictional city of Hyland Point. Blending
business simulation,
strategy, and
sandbox exploration, Schedule I has quickly become one of the most viral indie hits of the year.
Early Access Launch and Viral Popularity
Schedule I officially launched in Early Access on March 24, 2025. Despite its indie roots and minimal marketing, the game rapidly climbed Steam’s global sales charts.
Early Success Highlights
- Over 450,000 concurrent players at peak
- Viral growth through Twitch and TikTok clips
- Featured in major gaming news outlets within days of launch
Gameplay Mechanics in Schedule I
In Schedule I, players take on the role of a drug dealer starting from scratch. The gameplay involves crafting narcotics, recruiting workers, selling drugs, and avoiding law enforcement.
Production & Distribution
- Grow cannabis, cook meth, and craft other substances
- Add comedic ingredients like paracetamol or soda
- Distribute product via street sales or dealers
Business Strategy Elements
- Hire staff like cooks and botanists
- Upgrade facilities and transport
- Manage income, laundering, and logistics
Co-Op and Multiplayer Integration
Schedule I offers
four-player co-op, allowing friends to run a drug empire together.
Key Multiplayer Features
- Assign different roles: production, logistics, finance
- Share profits and coordinate expansions
- Complete co-op-specific missions and challenges
Hyland Point: The Sandbox City
The fictional city of Hyland Point serves as the main sandbox. Players can walk, drive, and interact freely with the world.
Urban Dynamics
- Random police stops and chases
- Rival cartel territory disputes
- Hidden items and side content
Visual Style and Indie Appeal
The game’s
stylized graphics and humorous tone soften its otherwise dark themes. Schedule I features cartoonish characters and vibrant city environments.
Art Direction
- Inspired by Adult Swim-style cartoons
- Simplified UI for accessibility
- Memorable animations and effects
Streaming and Social Media Buzz
Schedule I’s rapid success is thanks in large part to exposure through content creators on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
Community Engagement
- Clip-worthy gameplay moments
- Frequent memes and gameplay reactions
- High virality through TikTok skits
Developer Transparency and Roadmap
TVGS, the solo developer, frequently updates the community via Steam posts and social media.
Upcoming Features
- Expanded cartel warfare
- Fishing minigames
- New production systems and weather mechanics
Legal and IP Controversies
Schedule I has sparked conversation due to its similarities to
Drug Dealer Simulator and unauthorized console ports.
Legal Concerns
- Investigated by PlayWay for concept similarities
- Console clones appearing on storefronts without consent
- Developer statements clarify the game’s originality
Technical Performance and Platform Support
Built in Unity, Schedule I runs smoothly on PCs and is optimized for Steam Deck.
System Requirements
- Mid-range PC or better
- Steam Deck support with UI scaling
- 60+ FPS on recommended specs
Conclusion
Schedule I is one of 2025’s biggest indie surprises—a deeply entertaining
open-world crime simulator with strong co-op elements, smart business mechanics, and a unique visual style. With its viral rise and strong community, the game is positioned to grow even further during its Early Access period.
