If you've been active on platforms like Steam, Twitch, or gaming YouTube recently, you've likely come across Schedule I, an indie drug dealer simulation game that has skyrocketed to become the top-selling title on Valve's platform. It has outshined heavyweights such as Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals after going viral on social media.
Schedule I launched just last week and swiftly ascended to the top of Valve's best-selling and most-played charts. Here’s the game's official description:
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees, and more.
The game is developed and published by TVGS, known as Tyler, who recently shared his thoughts on Reddit about Schedule I’s explosive debut.
“Honestly, it’s amazing but pretty overwhelming,” Tyler remarked. “I never expected this kind of response! At the moment, I’m just trying to stay focused and get patches out ASAP. Also looking forward to getting started on content updates as soon as all major bugs are patched.”
In line with this commitment, Schedule I’s Post-launch Patch #4 was released on March 29, addressing several employee bugs and multiplayer issues.
So, just how successful is Schedule I? Emerging from obscurity, it now tops Steam's sales charts, surpassing titles from The Sims competitor inZOI to Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Valve ranks its top sellers by revenue, indicating that the budget-priced Schedule I is generating more income than its full-price, triple-A competitors.
In terms of player engagement, Schedule I reached a peak of 414,166 concurrent players on Steam over the weekend, securing a spot in the top 30 most-played games ever on the platform. Currently, it boasts more active players than Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals.
The community's reception to Schedule I has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 98% positive user review rating on Steam. Here are a few standout reviews:
"A woman came up to me and asked for weed, didn't like the price I offered, proceeded to stab me with a broken glass bottle. 10/10"
"Love this game. I was dealing drugs in an RV and it blew up."
"Got a motel and sold some weed."
"Created a meth empire, then hopped on the game."
"Really great and hilarious game. Fun game loop and hilarious fun when playing with friends. I know it is in early access but I'd like the police to be a bit more active (They could search your place, look for you even after escaping, run speed greater than the players) as well as gang warfare and a larger map. Still, in its current state, it's brilliant. Definitely a 10/10."
While Schedule I may be categorized as a meme game, its long-term viability is yet to be determined. However, for developer Tyler, the impact is undeniable, with his life forever changed and substantial content updates on the horizon.
If you're diving into Schedule I, don't miss IGN’s guides on Schedule I Cheats and Console Commands and Schedule I Multiplayer: How to Play Co-Op.
