The publisher behind Drug Dealer Simulator has addressed the rising concerns surrounding the indie game Schedule 1, providing clarity on the situation in a detailed statement shared on X. The post emphasizes that, as of now, no legal action has been initiated. Furthermore, it elaborates on the nature of the ongoing investigation.
For context, Schedule 1, which launched on March 24, 2025, has quickly garnered an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, alongside hundreds of thousands of active players at any given moment. With sales exceeding 5 million copies within its first month, the game has gained substantial traction, leading to increasing comparisons with Drug Dealer Simulator.
Official Response from Movie Games SA Regarding Schedule 1
Schedule 1 is designed as a drug-dealing simulator where players construct an illegal empire while evading law enforcement. However, it now finds itself embroiled in legal scrutiny. Recent reports indicate that the publisher of Drug Dealer Simulator has opened a copyright infringement investigation concerning Schedule 1.
The claims suggest that Schedule 1 may have drawn from elements of the plot, key game mechanics, and user interface design present in Drug Dealer Simulator. A legal evaluation conducted by Movie Games SA indicated that the similarities were significant enough to warrant a formal investigation.
In their statement, Movie Games SA clarified on X that there are currently no lawsuits filed against the TVGS team and highlighted their intention to neither halt Schedule 1‘s sales nor its development.
As a publicly traded entity, Movie Games SA articulated that they are mandated to investigate such allegations, as neglecting them could expose the company to legal vulnerabilities. They also noted that the initial communication regarding the legal assessment was disseminated solely through ESPI, which is intended for stock market dialogues.
Importantly, the statement made it clear that Byterunners, the studio behind Drug Dealer Simulator, is not involved in this matter. The publisher expressed goodwill towards TVGS, even wishing them success prior to the launch of Schedule 1.
As the situation unfolds, players’ responses have been impactful. Concerns over alleged legal challenges have prompted a wave of review bombing for Drug Dealer Simulator, with over 2,000 negative reviews surfacing in recent days, adversely affecting its rating on Steam, which now stands at Overwhelmingly Negative.
For those interested in further details, additional information can be found in various gaming news outlets. Developers and players alike remain vigilant as this controversy continues to develop.