If you check the most popular games on Steam right now, you might be surprised to find a new name at the top: Schedule I. This open-world, first-person drug-dealing game has taken the gaming community by storm, boasting over 414,000 concurrent players just a week after its early access launch on March 24, 2025. That’s even more than big names like Starfield and Grand Theft Auto V.

What makes Schedule I stand out? It’s a straightforward concept: you’re a small-time drug dealer aiming to build a massive empire in the fictional town of Hyland Point. You start with nothing—no money, no products, and no allies. As you expand your operation, you’ll face challenges from law enforcement and rival dealers.
The gameplay involves crafting drugs, transporting them, and managing sales—all with the risk of confrontations. Players can dive into this gritty world either solo or by teaming up with friends in co-op mode.
The brain behind Schedule I, Tyler, worked tirelessly on this project for over three years, mostly alone. In discussing his sudden success, he shared on Reddit, "It’s amazing but pretty overwhelming. I never expected this kind of response!" Tyler is actively working on updates to fix bugs and enhance the game.
One striking aspect of Schedule I is its affordability, priced at $20. This strategy of offering a unique experience at a fair price has resonated with players, especially at a time when many high-budget games are struggling to capture attention.
Interest is buzzing online, with social media filled with discussions about strategies, gameplay tips, and excitement over Tyler’s future updates. Reviews across platforms are overwhelmingly positive, and there’s a growing community eager to see where this game goes next.
Interestingly, this success contrasts with the pattern we’ve seen in the gaming industry lately. Many AAA titles, developed by large teams and costing millions, have disappointed players. Schedule I proves that a small team can still create something compelling. In fact, according to a recent survey by GameAnalytics, indie games have increased in popularity, making up nearly 30% of the gaming market as of 2023.
Tyler’s journey reflects a shift in how players value innovation and creativity over big budgets. As he considers the possibility of bringing Schedule I to consoles, it will be fascinating to see how the gaming world reacts.
In a game landscape dominated by expectations, Schedule I stands out as a beacon for smaller developers, showing that sometimes, less is more.
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Source linkSteam, Reddit, Windows games, Microsoft games, Freeware, Starfield, Microsoft, Kotaku