How is Schedule 1 getting so popular? Here are the top five things that the new indie game gets right more than AAA games.

Schedule 1 has been gaining more support ever since its release. Despite being in Early Access, players across the globe are loving the product that an indie developer could put out on their own. The game is receiving constant new updates, including one update which is due on April 18. Even though it doesn’t have the same high budget as a AAA game, it has won over many gamers. Let’s explore how.
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.
Reasons Behind Schedule 1’s Success Over AAA Titles
At the time of writing, Schedule 1 is only available on PC. So far, players have bought the game on Steam for $20. Reportedly, the game has sold around 5 million copies! Additionally, the all-time reviews on Steam are also mostly positive. So, this means that the game is doing better than most AAA games because of the following reasons:
- Simplistic Fun
- No Seriousness
- Regular Content Updates
- Tone Matters
- Value For Money
Kindly note that we do not condemn or promote any specific type of games. The reason why Schedule 1 is being compared to AAA games is because of its monetary success and ability to keep players satisfied. The gaming community online often blames AAA projects for being “cash grabs”. So, we have come up with potential reasons why Schedule 1 is succeeding in an industry filled with big gaming studios.
1) Simplistic Fun

A major reason behind this game’s success is the fact that it doesn’t bother to be complicated. Players will join a new world in Schedule 1 and be introduced to the immediate story and premise of the game. There are main missions that are entangled with the game’s rank system. But besides that, the game is pretty simple. You can make and sell drugs to your clients and must not get caught by the law enforcers while doing so. There is no “combat” in the game. However, you have weapons to defend yourself. There are also certain vehicles to get around the city in. None of this will win the game a “Game of the Year” title, but it feels like a video game that knows how to give you a fun time.
2) No Seriousness

One of the best part about Schedule 1 is the fact that it does not take itself too seriously. As you can see, the game has mid-level graphics and character design. The developer didn’t hold graphics and other visuals as the central appeal of the game. This is why they were able to divert their attention to other aspects of the game to make it more fun. We are not saying that visuals don’t matter in a game. But a visually perfect video game is not necessarily “perfect”. So, the community embraces the flaws in Schedule 1 and appreciates the unserious premise.
3) Regular Content Updates

Just like we had mentioned earlier, the game doesn’t do a bad job of maintaining itself. Even though it’s in Early Access, it still receives regular updates to keep things fun and fresh. Players who are invested in it know the regular updates drop by consistently. Although there is no definitive cycle of updates, TVGS is constantly working on tweaking and fixing reported bugs and adding new content promised to fans. Not all AAA games commit to their community in the same way.
4) Tone Matters

Schedule 1 is all about discovering and making new substances so you can sell them around the town. You also have to avoid the authorities and take care of the competition when things get rough. Despite how it might sound, the tone of the game is pretty light and goofy. You are not running a reputed crime syndicate. You are an individual criminal, worried about keeping your own boat afloat. The story is not that deep and doesn’t let you think too much about it. Having a good story in a game works wonders but Schedule 1 lets players take a break from hard-hitting plots and dialogues to enjoy some goofy action and lab work.
5) Value For Money

Schedule 1 is not as cheap as some other indie games you may find on Steam or other platforms. However, one thing it gets right is the cost, which is significantly cheaper than AAA games. It’s not just about a lighter price tag, though. It’s also about justifying the price. Many AAA projects promise a lot and are heavy on your wallet to support their popular franchise/studio. This game costs $20 on Steam right now and will give you content and fun, where you feel satisfied with the money spent.

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