What’s the Deal With Schedule I, the Drug-Dealing Game at the Top of Steam Charts?

Imagine this scenario: you’ve arrived in a remote desert town and are residing at your uncle’s ranch. Following his arrest for trafficking illegal substances, you are compelled to escape. You embark on a journey in your recreational vehicle (RV), aiming for Hyland Point to lie low and begin anew. However, a local cartel disrupts your plans. After your RV is destroyed in an assault, you find yourself stranded in a run-down motel room, penniless and on the run. Welcome to Schedule I, a new indie game that is rapidly gaining popularity and might become your next favorite pastime.

Phenomenal Player Response for New Indie Game

According to data from SteamDB, the drug empire simulation game attracted 116,408 simultaneous players within the first 24 hours of its Early Access launch on March 24. The subsequent day saw that number rise to 142,000. By March 30, Schedule I reached a peak of 414,166 concurrent players. This impressive figure places Schedule I among the top five most-played games on Steam, alongside established titles like Dota 2. It even secured the number one position on the global top-sellers chart, a remarkable achievement for a debut title.

Exploring the Gameplay of Schedule I

Schedule I, a recently released indie game centered on constructing a drug empire from the ground up, has witnessed a surge in popularity since its Steam Early Access debut on March 24. The game immerses players in the murky underworld of the illicit drug trade, presented through a whimsical, cartoon-style lens. While it may initially seem like another lighthearted “meme” game, delving into Schedule I reveals a surprisingly deep and engaging experience beneath the surface of its criminal theme.

Players begin their journey modestly, operating from a dilapidated motel room in Hyland Point. Gradually, operations expand—more narcotics, a larger customer base, and increased scrutiny. Players can cultivate cannabis, synthesize methamphetamine, and oversee their entire enterprise, from production to street-level distribution. Successfully navigating the game requires concealing illicit goods, evading law enforcement, and ultimately establishing a formidable empire.

The gameplay extends beyond simple transactions. Players can experiment with combining substances. For instance, mixing a can of “Cuke” with marijuana yields novel concoctions with unique names and potent properties. These custom blends can create highly sought-after products, driving customer demand and repeat business.

The game’s cartoon-style visuals effectively contribute to an atmosphere that is both seedy and playful. Character designs, reminiscent of adult animated series with exaggerated features and comical expressions, soften the otherwise serious subject matter. Despite the lighthearted aesthetic, the game incorporates considerable depth, including detailed elements such as setting up grow lights for cannabis cultivation, refining chemical formulas in makeshift laboratories, and managing illicit profits through money laundering.

Cooperative Gameplay Enhances the Experience

Schedule I truly excels in cooperative multiplayer mode. Up to four individuals can collaborate, with each player assuming a distinct role within the organization. One might focus on production, while another handles sales, and a third maintains security. This cooperative dynamic creates chaotic, humorous, and unpredictable situations, particularly when deals go awry or law enforcement intervenes. The inherent unpredictability of each session is a key element of the game’s appeal.

Key Features Contributing to Schedule I’s Success

Schedule I is replete with quirky and absurd details. Players can incapacitate rival dealers and confine them to recycling bins for petty cash or find themselves pursued for blocks over a minor infraction. These nuanced interactions inject personality into the game world, encouraging exploration beyond mere optimization. From characters like Peggy, seeking substances to “take the edge off,” to Peter, craving something “toxic,” players encounter a diverse and eccentric clientele, adding to the unique charm and risk-reward dynamic of the game.

Streaming Platforms Fuel Popularity

Content creators on streaming platforms have rapidly embraced Schedule I. The chaotic co-op gameplay and unpredictable street encounters lend themselves well to live streaming on Twitch and video sharing on YouTube. Following initial broadcasts from prominent creators, word-of-mouth dissemination accelerated quickly. Player reviews on Steam reached a 99% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating upon release.

Solo Developer Achieves Indie Success

The developer, TVGS (Tyler’s Video Game Studio), is a Sydney-based solo development endeavor. Despite being the studio’s first major release and the demanding development process, the developer has actively engaged with the player community, promising regular monthly updates and adjustments based on player feedback. The game’s development roadmap includes plans for new drug varieties, expanded game systems, and additional empire-building tools.

Impressive Launch Despite Limited Marketing

For a game launched without a publisher, minimal marketing, and a potentially controversial premise for some, Schedule I has achieved one of the most remarkable indie game launches in recent memory. Its engaging and distinctive gameplay, coupled with ongoing updates, indicates that this drug empire simulation is poised for continued growth and success.