Schedule 1 has achieved remarkable success since its early access launch in March, selling 8 million copies and generating $125 million in revenue on Steam. The indie crime simulator game became a phenomenon in the gaming community, notably selling 4.7 million copies in April alone, making it the top-selling game on Steam for that month.
This achievement is particularly impressive given that Schedule 1 is developed solely by one individual, highlighting the dedication and talent behind the project. Despite its success, the game has faced challenges, including a copyright infringement accusation.
Movie Games S.A., the publisher of Drug Deal Simulator, claimed that Schedule 1 borrowed elements from their title, including aspects of the plot, gameplay mechanics, and user interface. While the investigation into these claims is ongoing, the community rallied around developer TVGS, known as Tyler, expressing their support through reviews that criticized Drug Deal Simulator on Steam.
A report from Alinea Analytics noted Schedule 1’s outstanding sales performance in April, emphasizing the stark contrast with other titles. For instance, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a critically acclaimed triple-A game, managed to sell 3 million copies in three months, while Schedule 1 achieved 8 million in just two months.
However, it’s important to note that TVGS will not receive the full $125 million, as a portion will be deducted by Steam and taxes, although it’s estimated that the developer will still earn over $50 million. Tyler has not let the success go to waste, as he continues to deliver updates to the game, including new features and gameplay improvements.
The most recent update, still in beta, aims to enhance player experience by replacing inconvenient employee beds with lockers. However, some fans are still awaiting Schedule 1’s return to Steam in Australia after its brief removal, which was clarified by TVGS as a temporary situation pending a necessary age rating.