Why Schedule I Is the Most Controversial Indie Game of 2025 (And Why Everyone’s Playing It)
Schedule I came outta nowhere and exploded — 460K+ players, solo dev, legal drama, and full-on indie chaos. Here's why it’s 2025’s most talked-about game.
The Indie Game That Took Over Steam
Alright y’all — imagine this. A drug-dealing sim with cartoon graphics and wild tycoon mechanics, made by ONE dude in Australia… shoots straight to #1 on Steam. That’s Schedule I. And it ain’t just the gameplay that made headlines — it’s the drama that came with it.
It dropped into early access on March 24th, and within weeks, it was sitting on almost 460,000 concurrent players and selling over 3 million copies. That’s not just good for an indie — that’s AAA numbers. It’s reportedly generated over $60 million in revenue, all from a solo developer. A mix of viral clips, smart design, and a whole lot of chaos made this thing explode.
Gameplay That’s as Wild as Its Premise
Let’s talk systems. Schedule I isn’t just about doing runs — you’re running a full operation. The game features:
- Interactive crafting: You literally design your own product formulas. Some give funny effects — like changing hair color or making NPCs explode.
- Dynamic economy: Prices shift based on what you sell, where, and how much competition is around.
- Multiplayer co-op: Squad up with up to four players and divide roles like supplier, runner, and manager.
It’s low-poly, over-the-top, and way more strategic than it looks at first glance.
Legal Trouble... and a Whole Lotta Petty
Now here’s where it gets spicy. A Polish publisher — Movie Games S.A., who worked on Drug Dealer Simulator — claimed Schedule I looked too familiar. They launched an “investigation,” talking copyright infringement. But here’s the kicker… the devs of DDS, Byterunners, were like “Yo, we don’t support this. Chill.”
That move backfired big time. Steam users review-bombed DDS in support of Schedule I, saying this is what happens when a big publisher tries to snuff out a solo dev’s success. And honestly? They kinda proved the community wasn’t having it.
“A solo dev made the wildest game of the year — and a big publisher tried to shut it down. But the community wasn’t having it.”
Why It Blew Up
- It was made by one dev — that always gets love from gamers.
- It feels like GTA + Tycoon Sim + Co-op Chaos.
- It went viral on TikTok and Twitch — people love showing off their setups and fails.
- And the controversy? Free marketing. Real talk.
What’s Next for the Game?
Tyler (aka TVGS), the dev behind it, said he’s got a 2-year roadmap lined up. We’re talkin’ content updates, new mechanics, and maybe even console ports — something fans are already begging for.
There’s also been a wave of copycat titles and clones popping up, especially on mobile. But TVGS confirmed that none of those are official and advised fans to stick with the legit version on Steam.
What’s your take on Schedule I?
- ✅ Already addicted
- 👀 Just heard about it now
- 🚫 Not my kind of sim
Let me know in the comments or join the convo in the Discord!
Dive into our Indie Spotlight for hidden gems, deep cuts, and underrated bangers.
🔗 Dev: @TVGS_ on Twitter
💬 Community: Join our Discord
Final Thoughts
Schedule I ain’t for everybody — but you can’t deny its impact. It’s raw, it’s chaotic, and it’s proof that one creative mind with a bold idea can still shake the table. Whether you’re here for the controversy or the co-op grind, this one deserves a spot on your radar.
Played it yet? Drop your wildest empire-building story in the comments — or pull up to the OnThaSticks Discord where we’re talking about the next wave of indie bangers all week long. 🕹️
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