| Schedule I | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Developer | TVGS (Tyler's Video Games Studios) |
| Publisher | TVGS (Tyler's Video Games Studios) |
| Engine | Unity[1] |
| Platform | Windows |
| Release | 24 March 2025 (early access) |
| Genres | Economic simulation, crime,open world,comedy |
| Modes | Single-player,multiplayer |
Schedule I is an upcomingopen world crimesimulator video game developed by Australian developer TVGS (Tyler's Video Game Studio).[2][3] Released inearly access on 24 March 2025 forWindows, the game combinesbusiness management,tactical strategy, anddark comedy as players build and expand adrug trafficking operation in a fictional setting. The game gained popularity from beinglivestreamed onTwitch andTikTok.[4]
"Schedule I" is acategory ofdrugs inU.S. that are classified assubstances with no currently acceptedmedical use and a highpotential forabuse. Examples includeheroin,LSD,cannabis (marijuana),MDMA (ecstasy),methaqualone, andpeyote.[5]
Schedule I is afirst person game where players assume the role of a drug dealer in the fictional city of Hyland Point. Players grow and manufacture various strains ofmarijuana,methamphetamine,cocaine, andpsilocybin mushrooms, which can be sold to the city's residents. Drugs can be mixed with various ingredients (such as soft drinks orparacetamol) 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 torandom searches,road blocks, andcurfews. If the player is spotted breaking the law they will be "wanted" and subject to arrest, in a system similar to theGrand Theft Auto series.[6] 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 formoney laundering.[7][8]
While the base game offers plenty of content, The Schedule I Mods community has also created hundreds of modifications that let you tweak game mechanics, introduce quality-of-life improvements, and even overhaul entire systems.[9]
The game opens with the player living in the desert with their uncle Nelson. After completing the prologue, 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.[10]
Following its early access launch,Schedule I quickly rose to the top ofSteam's sales charts, with a player count surpassing major titles likeGrand Theft Auto VandMonster Hunter Wilds.[2][11]
The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised itsminigame crafting system.[8] Travis Northup atIGN described that the game "mashes its dark subject matter and dirty jokes with surprisingly cozy management mechanics in a way that works really well".[10]
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".[12] 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.[13] As of July 2025, the restriction has now been lifted after receiving a rating, enabling Australian players to experience the game again.[citation needed]
Schedule I has generated an estimated $60-125 million in gross revenue within just months of release.[14]
The game was nominated for Best Early Access Game and won the Breakthrough Award at theGolden Joystick Awards 2025.[15][16]
Schedule I has faced scrutiny due to alleged similarities withDrug 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 behindSchedule 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 forDrug Dealer Simulator.[17]
Analysts, includingVice's Shaun Cichacki, acknowledge similarities but argue that such mechanics are common in the genre, noting thatSchedule I has been received as the more polished and playable experience.[18]