Overview
- Schedule 1 gained significant traction on Steam, amassing over 130,000 players within just two days.
- The game’s developer is currently undergoing a copyright examination, prompted by claims from the creators of Drug Dealer Simulator.
- Movie Games S.A. alleges that Schedule 1 may have incorporated elements from their title, though the investigation’s outcome remains to be seen.
As Schedule 1 skyrockets in popularity on Steam, it has found itself at the center of a copyright scrutiny from another indie title. Released in early access on March 25, 2025, this cooperative crime simulation game quickly captivated PC gamers but now may confront potential legal hurdles due to its perceived similarities with an established drug management game.
The debut title from TVGS turned into an instant sensation upon its launch on Steam, quickly exceeding 130,000 concurrent players and earning an “Overwhelmingly Positive”rating. However, this meteoric rise has drawn attention beyond just the gaming community, as it raises questions of intellectual property rights.
In a recent statement from the Polish Press Agency, Movie Games S.A. announced that their legal team determined there is a possibility that Schedule 1 infringed upon the intellectual property rights of their Drug Dealer Simulator series. Known to many fans as one of the premier titles in the criminal management genre, the findings suggest that TVGS might have borrowed substantial elements from the narrative, mechanics, and user interface of Drug Dealer Simulator.
Allegations of Intellectual Property Violation
In light of these claims, Movie Games S.A. is initiating a deeper review, potentially consulting legal experts knowledgeable about Australian law, considering that TVGS operates out of Australia. It remains unclear whether this inquiry will culminate in formal charges. Meanwhile, Schedule 1 continues to thrive, as evidenced by its impressive updates and achievements, including surpassing the peak player count of The Witcher 3 and nearing 3 million units sold as of April 3, 2025.
Copyright litigation within the gaming industry often presents a complex landscape. Instances exist where studios have successfully defended their intellectual property, as seen in The Pokémon Company’s recent legal victory over Pocket Monster: Remake. However, the fine line between copyright infringement and respectful homage can be ambiguous. Given the vast number of creators in the gaming sector, some overlap in ideas can occur naturally. The implications of the Schedule 1 versus Drug Dealer Simulator case remain uncertain, but the situation is compelling enough for Movie Games S.A. to pursue further investigation.