Schedule 1 emerged as one of the standout successes of 2025, captivating audiences with its unexpected rise to the top of the sales charts. This year has been a remarkable one for surprise hits, yet it also marked a significant shift in Steam’s approach to adult-themed games, raising concerns about the potential impact on titles that explore drug-related themes.
Creative Contingencies
Tyler, the game’s creator, shared insights with our colleagues at GamesRadar regarding the apprehensions surrounding Steam’s acceptance of Schedule 1. He revealed that early in the development process, he devised a contingency plan: “If Steam wouldn’t take it for whatever reason, I could just pivot it to be a farming game. Just strip all the drug stuff out, make it a farming game—but thankfully, it was all right.” This foresight highlights the adaptability required in the gaming industry, where market dynamics can shift unexpectedly.
Despite the challenges, Schedule 1 has thrived, boasting an impressive all-time peak of 459,000 players on Steam. Even months after its initial release, the game continues to attract a robust audience, with a 24-hour peak of over 13,500 players. This resilience speaks volumes about its appeal and the community it has fostered.
In an alternate reality, however, we might be discussing a whimsical farming simulator, where players cultivate vegetables on oddly-sized baking trays reminiscent of their more illicit counterparts. Imagine passing out parsnips in dimly lit alleys or delegating tasks to fellow farmhands instead of friends drawn into the game’s more adventurous undertakings. This scenario paints a picture of a game that could have thrived in markets like Australia, which might have embraced its unique charm without hesitation.
