Be careful if you play this popular co-op game on Steam: it’s under investigation and could be in trouble

The co-op crime simulator Schedule 1 has rapidly risen to fame since its early access launch on March 25, 2025. With over 130,000 concurrent players within its first two days and nearly 3 million copies sold as of April 3, the game has become one of Steam’s hottest indie titles. However, amidst its success, the game faces a potential legal battle that could change everything.

The investigation and the allegations

The Australian studio behind Schedule 1, TVGS, is under scrutiny after Movie Games S.A., known for the Drug Dealer Simulator series, alleged similarities between the two titles. Preliminary legal analysis suggests that Schedule 1 may have borrowed heavily from Drug Dealer Simulator, particularly in plot elements, mechanics, and design.

While no formal charges have been filed, Movie Games S.A. is conducting further investigations and consulting experts in Australian copyright law. If infringement is confirmed, Schedule 1 could face legal challenges that impact its availability and development.

Despite the investigation, Schedule 1 has captivated players with its unique co-op mechanics, detailed world-building, and immersive gameplay. It has even surpassed player counts of AAA titles like The Witcher 3. The game’s success on Steam has been extraordinary, and its “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating reflects widespread admiration.

Copyright cases in gaming often occupy a gray area. Developers in the same genre frequently share mechanics and ideas, but determining whether these similarities amount to infringement can be difficult. Courts typically assess whether the expression of ideas, rather than the ideas themselves, shows substantial resemblance.

In the case of Schedule 1, the investigation will examine whether its similarities to Drug Dealer Simulator were purely coincidental or crossed the boundary of intellectual property infringement.

The future of schedule 1

For now, Schedule 1 remains available on Steam, with TVGS continuing to roll out updates. However, the game’s future could be at risk if legal action progresses. Fans are watching closely to see whether these challenges will affect the indie phenomenon’s trajectory.

Schedule 1's sudden success has sparked admiration and controversy in equal measure. As the investigation unfolds, the game’s story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between inspiration and originality in the gaming industry.

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