Schedule I is a gritty, satirical open-world tycoon simulator that puts players in the role of a small-time drug dealer building a criminal empire. Released in early access on March 24, 2025, the game was developed by solo creator Tyler’s Video Game Studio (TVGS) and quickly exploded on Steam, gaining hundreds of thousands of concurrent players and "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews.
What is Schedule I?
Schedule I is named after the U.S. drug classification system, and the game follows a fictionalized, exaggerated version of the criminal underworld. You start out selling weed and slowly expand into harder drugs like meth and cocaine while managing workers, cooking drugs, laundering money, and avoiding law enforcement.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the game leans into dark humor and satire, with cartoony graphics and ridiculous interactions that take inspiration from Breaking Bad and Grand Theft Auto.
Key Gameplay Features
1. Drug Production and Minigames
Each drug type has its own mini-game mechanics:
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Growing weed involves watering, trimming, and fertilizing plants.
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Meth production requires precise mixing and timing.
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Cocaine and LSD involve more advanced mechanics unlocked later.
Minigames are immersive and hands-on, requiring active player input rather than idle clicks.
2. Empire Management
You’ll manage your business by:
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Hiring staff (dealers, drivers, enforcers).
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Upgrading hideouts and labs.
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Investing in automated production or more efficient delivery systems.
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Dealing with random events like police raids or rival gang attacks.
Economic strategy is at the heart of the game, with a dynamic market that reacts to supply and demand.
3. Co-Op Multiplayer
You can play solo or join up to four-player co-op, with friends taking on different roles in your growing empire. This adds variety, coordination, and more opportunities for hilarious or disastrous outcomes.
Critical and Player Reception
Schedule I became a viral hit almost instantly, earning:
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Over 450,000 concurrent players on Steam.
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A place at the top of the Steam global charts.
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“Overwhelmingly Positive” review status with over 98% approval.
Critics and players praise the game’s addictive loop, unique premise, and fun co-op features. Media outlets like PC Gamer, AS.com, and Business Insider called it one of the most surprising indie hits of the year.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Immersive and fun minigames for each drug process.
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Humorous and satirical tone softens the serious theme.
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Addictive gameplay loop of crafting, selling, and upgrading.
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Dynamic economy and AI make each playthrough feel fresh.
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Strong multiplayer support with smooth co-op gameplay.
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Solo developer with frequent updates and transparency.
Cons
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Still in early access: some features are incomplete.
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Repetitive endgame once most upgrades are unlocked.
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Occasional bugs and performance drops in busy areas.
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No official controller or Steam Deck support (yet).
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Sensitive content may not be suitable for all players.
Popularity and Cultural Impact
Schedule I’s success stems from a mix of meme culture, streamer promotion, and gameplay innovation. Players compare it to:
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GTA Online – for its criminal sandbox elements.
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Stardew Valley meets Breaking Bad – for the farming-style management system in a criminal setting.
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Lethal Company – for the unexpectedly fun and chaotic multiplayer interactions.
It’s also credited with reinvigorating interest in simulation and tycoon games with unique, risk-taking design.
Tips for New Players
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Start with weed and focus on speed and volume over profit at first.
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Hire dealers early to automate sales while you manage production.
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Upgrade labs before expanding into harder drugs.
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Use the van or skateboard for fast deliveries in early game.
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Watch the market trends: prices fluctuate, and timing is everything.
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Play co-op to specialize roles and grow faster together.
Final Rating
Gameplay Mechanics: 9/10
Graphics and Style: 7.5/10
Multiplayer Functionality: 8.5/10
Replay Value: 8/10
Performance and Stability: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.2 / 10
Final Thoughts
Schedule I is one of 2025’s most creative and addictive indie titles. It's both funny and surprisingly deep, giving players a sandbox crime sim unlike anything else on Steam. Whether you play solo or team up with friends, it’s a wild ride packed with chaos, risk, and reward.
If you’re a fan of tycoon games, satire, or strategic co-op chaos, this is one to try—just don’t tell the DEA.
