Schedule 1, a drug-dealing simulator, is being investigated for copyright infringement. The game is based on avoiding the law, so it's a little ironic that Schedule 1 and its indie developer TVGS are facing some potential legal struggles as Schedule 1 continues to grow in popularity.
Reports from GameRant and Insider Gaming say that Drug Dealer Simulator studio Movie Games completed a legal analysis on April 3 (via the Polish Press Agency) that concluded Schedule 1 may have gained a little too much inspiration from its series. The developer alleges that TVGS took not only plot elements but also game mechanics and interface information from Drug Dealer Simulator to create Schedule 1 and that the similarities are more than enough for further legal action to be taken.
Schedule 1 was released in late March and quickly earned an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam. TVGS recently pushed the game's first major update through in beta, with plans for the update to hit all players soon.
Similarities Between Drug Dealer Simulator And Schedule 1
Movie Games Alleges It Hold Rights To Drug-Dealing Simulators
Despite its claims against Schedule 1, Movie Games didn't provide further information on exactly what the game copied from Drug Dealer Simulator beyond basic similarities in plot and mechanics, stating that investigations were still pending. Instead, the studio claimed that "unfair competition" existed between the two, implying that the titles were too similar to coexist in the gaming market and that Movie Games owned the drug dealer simulation concept.
Fans of Schedule 1 are not happy with Movie Games' actions. One Reddit and fan of the game, Creepy-Animator9779, stated, "Schedule 1 is a fresh, atmospheric take with unique visuals and clearly a different vibe than Dealer Simulator." Another player, krm787, took direct aim at Movie Games, saying in part, "This is just one company being jealous of another games success in a similar genre."
Drug Dealer Simulator: Best Money Making Drugs
With Drug Dealer Simulator allowing the player to sell and distribute drugs, players will naturally want to know which ones are the most profitable.
The motion to investigate Schedule 1 was filed on March 24, the same day the game was released. Filing on launch day suggests Movie Games had prior knowledge — and concern — regarding Schedule 1's mechanics, yet chose not to act until Schedule 1 was available to the public.
What Could Happen To Schedule 1?
The Game Faces An Uncertain Future
While no lawsuits have been filed against TVGS or Schedule 1 at this time, copyright investigations are taken very seriously in the legal world. If Movie Games decides to take legal action, and it's determined TVGS plagiarized their concept and mechanics, it's almost certain that Schedule 1 will be removed from Steam. TVGS would likely have to pay a fine or may even face jail time, depending on the severity of the charges. On the other hand, Movie Games' arguments could be dismissed, leaving both Schedule 1 and on the market.
There's still a lot that needs to happen before fans have to worry about the future of Schedule 1, especially since the similarities between the two games are merely being investigated. In the meantime, Schedule 1 is still available, and there's no reason why players should avoid the new simulator.
Sources: GameRant, Insider Gaming, Reddit/Creepy-Animator9779, Reddit/krm787
Schedule I
- Released
- March 24, 2025
- Developer(s)
- TVGS
- Publisher(s)
- TVGS
- Engine
- Unity
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
Your comment has not been saved