Schedule 1, an indie drug-dealing simulator, is currently under investigation for potential copyright infringement. This situation is somewhat ironic considering the game’s premise revolves around evading law enforcement, yet both Schedule 1 and its developer, TVGS, are facing possible legal complications as the game rapidly gains popularity.
Recent reports from GameRant and Insider Gaming indicate that Movie Games, the studio behind Drug Dealer Simulator, conducted a legal review on April 3 (via the Polish Press Agency). Their analysis suggested that Schedule 1 may have drawn excessive inspiration from its series. Movie Games claims that TVGS has appropriated not only narrative elements but also gameplay mechanics and user interface designs from Drug Dealer Simulator, warranting a more extensive legal inquiry.
Released in late March, Schedule 1 quickly garnered a status of “Overwhelmingly Positive”on Steam. The developers at TVGS have also initiated the game’s first significant update, currently in beta and set to be rolled out for all players shortly.
Key Similarities Between Drug Dealer Simulator and Schedule 1
Claims by Movie Games on Ownership Rights in Drug-Dealing Simulation
Despite the gravity of their claims against Schedule 1, Movie Games has yet to disclose specific details about what elements they believe have been copied from Drug Dealer Simulator beyond general similarities. They mentioned that further investigations into these allegations are ongoing. The studio has stated there are grounds for “unfair competition,” suggesting that the two titles are too alike to coexist in the gaming space and that Movie Games possesses ownership over the drug-dealing simulation concept.
The community surrounding Schedule 1 has voiced discontent towards Movie Games’ actions. For instance, a Reddit user and fan of the game, Creepy-Animator9779, remarked, “Schedule 1 offers a fresh, atmospheric experience with unique visuals, clearly distinguishing itself from Dealer Simulator.”Another player criticized Movie Games directly, claiming, “This is one company’s jealousy over another’s success in a similar genre.”
The motion to probe Schedule 1 was filed on March 24, coinciding with the game’s release. This timing suggests Movie Games had prior awareness and concerns regarding the game’s mechanics but chose to initiate legal action only after Schedule 1 was publicly launched.
Potential Outcomes for Schedule 1
An Uncertain Horizon for the Simulator
As of now, no formal lawsuits have been initiated against TVGS or Schedule 1. However, copyright investigations are often taken very seriously in the legal landscape. Should Movie Games decide to escalate matters legally, and if it is proven that TVGS did indeed infringe upon their intellectual property regarding game concepts and mechanics, Schedule 1 may be removed from Steam. TVGS could also face significant penalties, including fines or potential jail time, depending on the severity of the infringement. Conversely, it’s possible that Movie Games’ claims could be rejected, allowing both Schedule 1 and Drug Dealer Simulator to coexist.
Before fans of Schedule 1 need to be concerned about its future, considerable developments must occur, particularly as the investigation currently only examines the similarities between the two games. For the moment, Schedule 1 remains accessible to players, and there’s no reason to avoid this innovative simulator.
Sources: GameRant, Insider Gaming, Reddit/Creepy-Animator9779, Reddit/krm787