Why did Schedule I become viral – Successes of Drug Deal Simulator Indie-Game

If you’ve been browsing Steam, scrolling through Twitch, or catching up with gaming news on YouTube recently, you’ve probably heard about Schedule I. This indie drug dealer simulator has made a massive splash since its release, and it's quickly climbed to the top of Steam's charts. In fact, it’s currently beating out heavy hitters like Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals, all thanks to a viral surge on social media.

Schedule I is a gritty, open-world simulation game where players step into the shoes of a small-time drug dealer trying to rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld. The game’s premise is simple: build a drug empire in the city of Hyland Point. You start with nothing—no cash, no products, no connections—and you work your way up by manufacturing and distributing a variety of drugs.

Previously, we reported that the game reached the #1 spot in Steam sales charts, surpassing AAA titles.

But it’s not just about pushing product. Players need to expand their empire, building up properties and businesses and assembling a team of employees while dealing with intense law enforcement and competing cartels. It’s a game that mixes strategy, resource management, and the constant tension of evading the cops and rival criminals. The goal? To dominate the underworld.

Schedule I vs Breaking Bad: The Series

Schedule 1 (2025) and Breaking Bad share some striking similarities, especially in terms of their exploration of morally complex characters. In Breaking Bad, we follow Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who descends into the dangerous world of meth production after being diagnosed with cancer. His transformation from a mild-mannered family man to a ruthless drug kingpin mirrors the journey many characters in Schedule 1 might face. Schedule 1 (2025), set in a near-future world where drugs are heavily regulated, brings a similar descent into chaos as players navigate a world of crime, betrayal, and self-doubt. Much like Walter’s internal struggle, characters in Schedule 1 face the ethical dilemma of their actions, torn between survival and the consequences of their choices.

The tension in both Schedule 1 and Breaking Bad lies in the fine line between right and wrong. In Breaking Bad, Walter constantly grapples with the impact of his decisions on his family, which makes his fall from grace both tragic and inevitable. Similarly, in Schedule 1 (2025), players are forced to confront the consequences of their characters' actions, with choices that influence their relationships and the course of their story. Both the game and the series dive deep into themes of desperation, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. While Breaking Bad unfolds through a gripping narrative of one man’s descent, Schedule 1 offers a more interactive approach, allowing players to shape their own story while wrestling with the same moral complexities that make Breaking Bad such an enduring tale of consequence.

Of course, no one is trying to be a moralist while playing the role of a drug dealer in a video game, especially when you can play blackjack for money with a hustler! So, the game is still more about an infantile and humorous tone in a dirty business, but I compare it to the iconic TV series because of the human attraction to watching criminal escapades. Why do you think GTA is so popular?

From Small Indie Game to Viral Sensation

Released on March 24, 2025, Schedule I has been developed and published by TVGS (a.k.a. Tyler), and the game quickly shot up to Steam’s top-selling and most-played charts. The developer recently took to Reddit to express his surprise at the overwhelming success of the game. Tyler admitted, "Honestly, it's amazing but pretty overwhelming. I never expected this kind of response! At the moment, I’m just trying to stay focused and get patches out ASAP. Also, looking forward to content updates once all the major bugs are patched."

Speaking of patches, the game just received its Post-launch Patch #4 on March 29, which fixed several multiplayer bugs and employee-related issues. These quick updates have helped improve the experience for players and keep the hype going strong.

How Big Is Schedule I’s Success?

It’s one thing to have a successful launch, but just how big has Schedule I become? Well, it’s not just selling well—it’s crushing it in terms of player numbers too.

Over the weekend, the game reached a peak of 414,166 concurrent players on Steam, which places it among the top 30 most-played games ever on the platform. That’s right. More people are currently playing Schedule I than Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals. And these numbers aren’t just a fluke; the game has stayed consistently high on Steam’s charts.

The most impressive part? Schedule I is still priced at only $19.99, a budget price compared to many AAA titles. Despite this, it’s earning enough revenue to outpace some of the highest-priced games on Steam right now. The game’s success isn’t just about how many people are playing—it’s about the revenue it’s generating. The game’s ability to compete financially with bigger titles shows just how much traction it’s gained in such a short time.

Why Are Players Loving It?

What exactly makes Schedule I so appealing? Well, from the player reviews flooding Steam, it’s clear that the game’s charm lies in its fun and chaotic gameplay loop. The game has an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam, with 98% of the reviews being positive at the time of writing. Here are just a few highlights from the reviews:

• "A woman came up to me and asked for weed, didn't like the price I offered, proceeded to stab me with a broken glass bottle. 10/10."
• "Love this game. I was dealing drugs in an RV and it blew up, then I hopped on the game and created a meth empire. Hilarious!"
• "Really great and hilarious game. Fun game loop and hilarious fun when playing with friends. I know it's in early access but I'd like the police to be more active—maybe they could search your place or chase you more aggressively."

The game's humor is another huge draw. From ridiculous drug deals to random explosions, the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the game keeps players engaged. The variety of tasks, from building your empire to evading law enforcement, gives players plenty to do while they rise to the top. And since it's still in early access, there’s the promise of future updates and content to expand the experience even further.

Is Schedule I Just a Fad?

Of course, as with any viral success, the big question remains: Is Schedule I a flash in the pan, or does it have staying power?

It’s too early to say, but the numbers don’t lie. With such strong early feedback, consistent updates from the developer, and a player base that’s clearly enjoying the game, Schedule I is definitely one to watch in the coming months. Whether it can maintain its momentum remains to be seen, but right now, Tyler’s life has been changed forever by this unexpected success.

What Future for Schedule I?

As for future updates, the developer has promised more content coming down the line. Fans can expect new features, fixes, and hopefully more ways to expand their criminal empire. Whether you’re in it for the hilarious moments or the thrill of being a drug kingpin, Schedule I seems to be setting itself up as a strong contender in the indie game scene.

So, if you haven’t yet checked out Schedule I, now might be the perfect time. It’s available for just $19.99 on Steam, and you can play solo or team up with a group of friends (2-4 players). But be warned—it might just become your next obsession.

In just a matter of days, Schedule I has skyrocketed to the top of Steam’s charts, outplaying some of the biggest titles in the industry. With a unique premise, engaging gameplay, and tons of player-driven humor, it’s clear that Schedule I is a viral hit. It’ll be interesting to see where this indie drug-dealer simulator goes next, but for now, Tyler and TVGS have created something truly special. Keep an eye on this one—it’s definitely one to watch.