Facebook
Reddit
Email
Let’s explore the reasons behind the immense popularity of the indie crime simulator Schedule 1, the latest Steam sensation.
Note: This article focuses on Schedule 1 and its content, which is a video game set in a fictional world. Items, recipes, etc, mentioned in the article are exclusively from the game and don’t refer to anything in real life.
Over the past week, a new indie game, Schedule 1, has hit Steam with a storm. It has been the talk of the gaming industry and community, surpassing the recent AAA titles like Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows. With a peak player count of 414,166, the game has already set various records on Steam charts, including occupying #2 on the current top-seller list and #6 among the most-played games.
Schedule 1, a drug-dealing crime simulator from an indie developer, TVGS (Tyler), was released on early access on March 25, 2025. Within a few days, the game’s popularity has skyrocketed and received an Overwhelmingly Positive response with 98% positive reviews. Let’s analyze what makes Schedule 1 a beloved title and the reasons behind its immense popularity.
Related: Schedule 1: How To Get Bigger House
Why Is Schedule 1 So Popular?
Schedule 1 features extraordinary and intricate gameplay mechanics, with many activities reflecting real-life mechanics. Here are some highlighting reasons that contribute to its immense success and popularity.
1) GTA-like Gameplay Mechanics
As a crime simulator, Schedule 1 shares many similarities in the game mechanics with Grand Theft Auto (GTA), the pinnacle of the crime genre. Since its demo launch, many players have pointed out similar core gameplay mechanics of the two games.
This includes an open-world setting, vehicle usage, crime-focused gameplay and plot, engaging in illegal activities, evading police and authorities through a wanted system, and more.. Moreover, Schedule 1 brings back the nostalgic feel of the classic GTA installments, making it appealing to long-time fans of the genre.
2) Breaking Bad-Themed Crime Simulator
Since its demo launch, the crime simulator has often been linked with Breaking Bad and believed to draw inspiration from the iconic crime drama TV series. The hit series, starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, has centred around manufacturing and distributing m*thamphetamine (m*th). Similarly, Schedule 1 focuses on various illegal drugs like M*rijuana, C*caine, and M*th.
Given the massive success of Breaking Bad, many fans have fantasized about living the fictional life of Heisenberg. Schedule 1 offers players such experience and allows them to emerge as a kingpin from a small-time dealer.
3) A Real-Simulating Experience with Mini-Games
While there are many simulation games out there, most of them doesn’t include detailed simulation mechanics in the gameplay activities. Instead, they rely on a simple point-and-click system to perform an action, skipping all the in-between processes. However, that’s not the case for Schedule 1, as almost every in-game activities feature a mini-game system, adding immersion to the players.
Whether you are manufacturing a drug, cultivating a plant, packing the drugs, or even pickpocketing, the game emphasizes players’ input through mini-games. Instead of clicking to complete a chore, the mini-game mechanics ensure active player participation and make the gameplay loop more personal and lively.
4) Catchy Co-op Multiplayer Mode
Another major factor contributing to the success of Schedule 1 is its co-op feature. While the plot and gameplay are already satisfying and compelling, teaming up with friends enhances the experience even further. Managing deals, delivering products, and expanding the empire with friends doubles the fun and excitement.
If you feel handling all activities alone is overwhelming, you can also split the workload with your friends for effective management. Expanding the drug peddling business and growing the empire together with friends adds more immersion and addictiveness to the game.
5) Community Engagement and Developer’s Responsiveness
One of the biggest reasons behind the game’s success is its strong social engagement. It is obvious that a review and response of other players significantly affects a game’s response, especially if they are from popular streamers. Since its demo launch during Steam Next Fest, the game has been celebrated by most players and streamers, building expectations and hype for the game. It made many players try the early access version. The fact is that most players love the game, resulting in a 98% positive response.
Additionally, the indie developer TVGS (Tyler) prioritizes community feedback. He has also committed to deliver a polished version, rolling out several fixes within a few days of the launch, with the Post-launch Patch #5 released on April 1, 2025.
We provide the latest news and create guides for Schedule 1. Meanwhile, you can check out the following Schedule 1 articles or catch us playing games on Twitch and YouTube:
