Schedule I: Rise of a Drug-Dealing Empire Simulator

Introduction

Schedule I is a bold and boundary-pushing indie game that blends open-world crime simulation with resource management, social commentary, and dark humor. Developed by the solo creator TVGS and launched in Early Access on Steam in March 2025, Schedule I puts players in the role of an up-and-coming drug dealer navigating the chaotic streets of Hyland Point. It combines sandbox mechanics, co-op multiplayer, and strategic depth in a stylized yet gritty environment.

The Origins of Schedule I

Schedule I draws inspiration from classics like Drug Dealer Simulator and GTA, but offers a more layered experience through its tongue-in-cheek tone and business-building structure.

A Solo Dev's Ambition

TVGS is known for humorous, irreverent titles, but Schedule I stands as his most ambitious yet. Starting as a passion project during the pandemic, the game quickly gained traction among fans of niche and morally ambiguous simulations.

Design Philosophy

• Satirical yet systems-driven
• Player freedom emphasized
• A mix of chaos and control through strategy

Early Access Launch and Explosion in Popularity

When the game launched in March 2025, it surprised everyone by becoming a global sensation almost overnight.

Viral Factors

• Streamers and TikTok users loved the absurdity and freedom
• Clips of custom drugs and police chases went viral
• Reached 450,000+ concurrent players in launch week

Gameplay Mechanics in Detail

At its heart, Schedule I is about growing, crafting, and selling drugs while navigating a sandbox world full of hazards.

Drug Production and Sales

• Players can grow cannabis, produce meth, and experiment with unusual recipes
• Ingredients include everyday items like baking soda or cough syrup
• Players distribute via street dealers, personal sales, or vending machines

Money and Logistics

• Smuggle and launder money through shell businesses
• Optimize supply chains, transport, and security
• Manage expenses for staff, tools, and police bribes

Co-Op Multiplayer: Building Empires Together

The game allows for up to four players to join forces, each taking a role in the criminal enterprise.

Division of Labor

• One player grows the crops
• Another mixes the drugs
• One handles finance and logistics
• Last player deals with public relations or enforcement

Multiplayer Dynamics

• Base building with shared assets
• In-game chat and proximity voice
• Real-time coordination of drops and pickups

The World of Hyland Point

Hyland Point is the city where the game unfolds — a chaotic, semi-fictional urban jungle where corruption runs deep.

Features of the Sandbox

• AI reacts to reputation, crimes, and time of day
• Players encounter cops, rival gangs, civilians, and journalists
• Areas range from industrial zones to suburban neighborhoods

Narrative Threads and Ethical Dilemmas

Though not a traditional story game, Schedule I has deep world-building and morally gray choices.

Narrative Layers

• Factions like Cops, Cartels, and Hacktivists offer side missions
• Players decide between ethical harm reduction or pure profit
• Dialogues include satire on drug laws and corporate greed

Visual Style, Sound Design, and UI

The stylized cartoonish visuals contrast with the grim subject matter, creating a unique aesthetic.

Art Direction

• Simplistic but expressive 3D models
• Clean interfaces and visual guides for recipes
• Visual gags and Easter eggs across the city

Audio Highlights

• Dynamic soundtrack that changes by zone and heat level
• Hilarious voiceovers and ambient effects
• Alarms, radio chatter, and chemical mixing noises

Modding Support and Community Involvement

TVGS has been transparent and supportive of the community from the beginning.

Modding Tools

• Built-in mod support for recipes, items, and events
• Steam Workshop integration
• Discord communities share mods, guides, and roleplay servers

Bugs, Feedback, and Roadmap

As with any Early Access title, Schedule I has rough edges — but frequent updates and an engaged dev have helped polish the experience.

Roadmap

• Upcoming expansions: Prisons, international drug routes, crypto laundering
• Planned features: Permadeath mode, real estate investing, gang wars
• Community polls influence update priorities

Performance and Platform Optimization

The game runs well on most modern PCs and has a separate build for Steam Deck.

Requirements

• Recommended: i5 CPU, 16GB RAM, GTX 1060 or higher
• Low mode for older systems
• Controller support available, but best played with mouse & keyboard