New Steam Chart Leader: a Game About Drug Dealing Surpasses Assassin's Creed Shadows

On March 25, 2025, a game called Schedule I was released in early access on Steam. At first glance, the game doesn't seem particularly impressive—bland graphics, unclear design, and unusual mechanics. However, Schedule I has something that has captivated players. The game features drugs, substances, or chemicals defined as "drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." In this article, we’ll explore what this new title is all about, its core gameplay, and whether Schedule I should be considered a dangerous game.

Schedule I Gameplay

In Schedule I, you take on the role of a small-time drug dealer arriving in a new city with no money, no products, no connections, and no clients. At first glance, the game resembles the well-known GTA series, which is one reason why it has drawn so much attention. The main goal of Schedule I is to build a drug empire from scratch while evading law enforcement and competing with deadly cartel members to expand your business.

Rapid Success

Just a few days after its release, Schedule I skyrocketed to the top of the Steam charts—a remarkable feat considering its competition with Assassin's Creed Shadows, one of the most talked-about games in the industry right now. The game has topped not only the "Trending Games" chart but also "Popular Releases" and "Hot Releases" on SteamDB. On its first day, Schedule I reached 116,408 concurrent players, nearly doubling the peak of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The following day, it broke its own record, surpassing 131,000 concurrent players online.

Unlike its competitors in this genre, Schedule I features multiplayer capabilities, making the experience even more engaging and dynamic. Competing with friends and other players to see who can build the biggest drug empire faster adds another layer of excitement. The game even includes a detailed drug manufacturing process, where players must monitor lighting, growth cycles, and harvest timing to produce the highest-quality product.

Final Thoughts

Schedule I has proven to be an intriguing game, as evident from its massive player base. But is it safe? The game openly promotes drug-related themes, even if presented as satire. However, younger players or teenagers might perceive it as a form of realism, potentially sparking an interest in drug culture. To prevent this, it's essential to approach Schedule I with a mature mindset. Additionally, developers should consider adding more warnings and disclaimers to emphasize that drugs are harmful.