If you've spent any time on platforms like Steam, Twitch, or gaming YouTube recently, chances are you’ve encountered mentions of Schedule I. This indie drug dealer simulation has taken the gaming world by storm, becoming the top-selling title on Valve’s platform. Surprisingly, it has attracted more players than established heavyweights like Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals since going viral across social media.
Launched just last week, Schedule I swiftly climbed the ranks of Steam’s best-sellers and most-played lists. According to the official description, players take on the role of a small-time dealer who evolves into a crime lord, manufacturing and distributing various substances throughout the gritty city of Hyland Point. Expanding your empire involves acquiring properties, hiring staff, and managing resources.
Developed and published by TVGS, otherwise known as Tyler, the creator recently shared his thoughts on Reddit regarding the game’s unexpected success.
“It’s honestly amazing but also really overwhelming,” Tyler stated. “I never anticipated this kind of reaction! Right now, I’m focused on releasing patches as fast as possible and planning future content updates once major bugs are resolved.”
In line with this, Schedule I received Post-Launch Patch #4 on March 29, addressing several employee-related glitches and multiplayer problems.
So, just how successful is Schedule I? Despite its low price point, it ranks higher than revenue-generating triple-A titles like The Sims competitor iZOI and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Valve’s top-selling chart measures earnings, meaning Schedule I is generating more income than pricier AAA competitors.As for player numbers, the game peaked at 414,166 concurrent users over the weekend, placing it among the top 30 most-played games ever on Steam. As of this writing, more people are actively playing Schedule I than Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals combined.
The community feedback reflects the game’s popularity. With an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam, 98% of user reviews are glowing. Here are some highlights:
“A lady approached me asking for weed, wasn’t satisfied with my pricing, and stabbed me with a broken bottle. 10/10.”
“Absolutely adore this game.”
“I dealt drugs from inside an RV—it exploded.”
“Set up a motel and sold some marijuana.”
“Built a meth empire.”
“Joined the game later.”
“This is a fantastic and hilarious experience. The gameplay loop is solid, and it’s even better with friends. While it’s still in early access, I’d love to see more active law enforcement (searching homes, chasing after escapes), gang warfare, and a larger map. Even in its current state, it’s incredible. Definitely a 10/10.”
Clearly, Schedule I is a meme-driven phenomenon, but its longevity remains to be seen. Regardless, developer Tyler is set for life, and significant content updates are on the horizon.
If you're diving into Schedule I, don’t forget to explore IGN’s guides on cheats, console commands, and multiplayer co-op gameplay.
