If you've been active on platforms like Steam, Twitch, or gaming-focused YouTube channels recently, you've likely encountered the buzz around Schedule I. This indie drug dealer simulation game has skyrocketed to become the top-selling title on Valve's platform, outperforming juggernauts such as Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals following its viral spread across social media.
Schedule I burst onto the scene last week and rapidly climbed Valve's charts for both best-selling and most-played games. 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 the brainchild of developer and publisher TVGS, better known as Tyler, who shared his thoughts on Reddit about the game's meteoric rise.
“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.”
To address initial issues, Schedule I released its Post-launch Patch #4 on March 29, which tackled various employee bugs and multiplayer glitches.
The success of **Schedule I** is undeniable. Despite its unexpected emergence, it has claimed the top spot on Steam's sales charts, eclipsing titles ranging from the *The Sims* competitor *inZOI* to *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Valve ranks its top-selling games by revenue, indicating that **Schedule I**, with its budget-friendly price, is generating more income than its full-priced, AAA counterparts.In terms of player engagement, Schedule I reached a peak of 414,166 concurrent players on Steam over the weekend, securing a position in the top 30 most-played games in Steam's history. Currently, it boasts more active players than Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals.
The community's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with Schedule I earning a 98% positive user review rating on Steam. Here are some of the 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. Defo a 10/10"
As a meme game, Schedule I's long-term viability remains uncertain, but for now, developer Tyler is enjoying a life-altering success, with substantial content updates on the horizon.
For players 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.
