Nothing brings momentum to a screeching halt quicker than legal action. This is the prospect Schedule 1 is facing as it’s being deemed too similar to Movie Games S.A.’s Drug Dealer Simulator 1 & 2 franchise, prompting a full investigation into the game.
Whereas people were hyping themselves up for Warzone’s Verdansk or continuing to enjoy the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Steam indie title Schedule 1 was out here dominating. The game is about making and dealing drugs and all the rigors that come with the crime life. This is apparently appealing as Schedule 1 hit a peak of over 400,000 players and continues to bring in wheelers and dealers each day.
Everything was going great, but on April 3, publisher Movie Games S.A. demanded an investigation into TVGS’ Schedule 1.
Steam Sensation Schedule 1 Under Investigation For Infringement
Evidence on the investigation surfaced on the website papbiznes, featuring a document entitled: “MOVIE GAMES SA (17/2025) Decision to commence investigation against the creators of the Schedule 1 production for claims regarding the infringement of the Issuer’s IP and related to committing an act of unfair competition against it.”
Movie Games S.A. has its own series of drug-dealing games: Drug Dealer Simulator 1 and Drug Dealer Simulator 2. While the name is more overt in its goal, both titles have attracted thousands of players respectively.
The legal document mentions: “Potential infringement of the Issuer’s intellectual property rights and activities that may bear the characteristics of unfair competition have been identified.” Ergo, Schedule 1 is too similar to the Drug Dealer Simulator series—similar to Nintendo’s lawsuit with Palworld.
Proceedings began as soon as Schedule 1 released on March 24 and featured: “A comparative analysis of the Company’s IP, which includes, m.in, Drug Dealer Simulator and Drug Dealer Simulator 2 and the Schedule 1 project.”
The investigation is strongly looking into: “Elements of the game’s plot, mechanics, as well as UI – User Interface.” It finishes by saying: “The Issuer will immediately inform about further actions related to the pursuit of claims regarding the infringement of the Issuer’s IP and the act of unfair competition in subsequent current reports.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and see how TVGS responds to the investigation. Check out our official Forum or subscribe to our Insider Gaming newsletter so you don’t miss out on any developments.
If you’re enjoying Schedule 1, why don’t you check out its roadmap and plans, and if it’s available on console.
DDS wishes it was half the game Schedule I is, this is purely about another developer being mad their 2nd game tanked. They’re not suing the other 4 titles or the title they copied themselves.
They’re just mad that people are excited about this game and not theirs. It’s a PR stunt – there’s very little “IP” to infringe on anyway.
Another lawsuit by a washed up dev, that is sure to give everyone confidence in their future products….not.
This mind of BS lawsuits is at best a one time opportunity to cash out at the cost of the entirety of your reputation. But for this noname dev that probably doesn’t matter since they got no reputation, just like they got no bitc…
Hope it gets thrown out quickly. Concept is similar but that’s not grounds for legal action, otherwise FROM would be on every dark fantasy difficult game.