‘No Lawsuit’ Against Schedule I: Drug Dealer Simulator Publisher Clarifies Controversy Amidst Negative Reviews

Amid growing backlash and a flood of negative reviews on Steam, Drug Dealer Simulator publisher Movie Games SA has issued a public statement to clarify the ongoing situation regarding its investigation into the indie game Schedule I.

The controversy began when Movie Games SA revealed it was investigating the similarities between Schedule I and its own game, citing "potential infringement" over plot, mechanics, and user interface. This announcement, which was interpreted by many as the company planning to take legal action, led to a wave of reviews slamming Drug Dealer Simulator and its sequel.

Screenshot: PC Gamer

In response to the backlash, Movie Games SA clarified that there is no lawsuit against Schedule I, emphasizing that the investigation is merely a precautionary measure triggered by "preliminary legal analysis" indicating possible similarities between the two games. The publisher further explained that as a publicly traded company, it has a legal obligation to address such concerns to avoid potential repercussions for negligence. The update, which was posted on the Drug Dealer Simulator 2 Steam page, also noted that the information about the investigation was shared through Poland's ESPI stock market system for transparency and was later misreported by media outlets as a lawsuit.

Despite the clarification, the damage may already be done, as negative reviews continue to pile up on Steam. Many players have expressed frustration with the publisher, perceiving the investigation as a thinly veiled attempt to suppress Schedule I, which has been gaining significant attention. While the message is clear that Movie Games SA is not seeking to prevent Schedule I from being sold or developed, the controversy highlights the complex dynamics between indie developers and larger, publicly traded companies in the gaming industry.

In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether the publisher’s efforts to clarify the situation will be enough to quell the backlash or if the negative sentiment will persist. As for the future of Schedule I, the investigation continues, but for now, there is no lawsuit.