Schedule 1 Lawsuit Game Investigation: What’s Going On?
Schedule 1, a breakout hit on Steam, has quickly become one of the most talked-about indie games of the year. Its unique blend of gritty urban gameplay, fast-paced missions, and a strong presence on TikTok has helped it rise to viral success. But behind the scenes, this meteoric climb is facing a serious challenge: a copyright infringement investigation that could impact its future.
Here’s everything we currently know about the Schedule 1 lawsuit game investigation—from the claims, the context, and the potential consequences.
Schedule 1: The Indie Success Story
Launched just weeks ago, Schedule 1 became an overnight sensation. Its style, mechanics, and drug-dealing simulation theme drew immediate comparisons to other indie titles in the same genre—most notably, the Drug Dealer Simulator series developed and published by Movie Games S.A.
Despite competing with triple-A releases like Monster Hunter Wilds and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Schedule 1 found its own audience thanks to viral gameplay clips on TikTok and strong word-of-mouth from popular streamers.
However, the game’s similarities to Drug Dealer Simulator have now raised red flags—ones that may result in a legal battle.
What Is the Schedule 1 Lawsuit About?
As first reported by Insider Gaming, Movie Games S.A. has initiated an investigation into Schedule 1 developer TVGS. The investigation stems from claims that Schedule 1 may infringe on the intellectual property of the Drug Dealer Simulator franchise.
The source of the claim was revealed in a Polish regulatory document titled “MOVIE GAMES SA (17/2025),” in which the publisher formally states that it will “commence investigation” against Schedule 1’s creators. The reasons? Allegations of:
-
Unfair competition
-
Intellectual property infringement
-
Similarities in game mechanics, plot, and UI elements
While the lawsuit hasn’t formally started yet, these are the early steps that often precede a legal filing.
What’s Being Investigated?
According to the documents and initial reports, the investigation focuses on:
-
The game’s plot and structure
-
Specific mechanical similarities to Drug Dealer Simulator
-
User interface (UI) overlaps
-
Market positioning that may cause confusion among players
Essentially, Movie Games S.A. is suggesting that Schedule 1 may be too close for comfort, replicating ideas, gameplay, and features that they believe are proprietary to their own franchise.
No Formal Lawsuit Filed Yet
As of now, this is only an investigative phase. No official lawsuit has been filed in court, and the developers of Schedule 1, TVGS, have not responded publicly. That said, cases like this can escalate quickly—especially when the accused game is performing better than its predecessor.
This isn’t the first time a popular indie title has faced legal scrutiny. The comparison to Palworld vs. Pokémon is already being made, where a game’s similarities to a bigger or more established franchise draw legal attention, even if it has already carved out its own niche.
Why This Matters
If the investigation leads to a legal ruling against TVGS, Schedule 1 could face:
-
Forced removal from Steam and other platforms
-
Requirement to change key gameplay mechanics or UI
-
Monetary damages or licensing fees
-
Delays in future updates or development plans
For now, the game remains fully accessible, and no changes have been made. But with the possibility of legal action looming, this could impact Schedule 1’s development roadmap and community trust.
The Role of TikTok and Streamers in Schedule 1’s Success
One major factor in this situation is how Schedule 1 became popular in the first place. Unlike its competitors, it leaned heavily into viral marketing, with clips flooding TikTok and Twitch shortly after launch.
This organic success may have contributed to its visibility—and also made it a larger target. As the game outperformed similar titles, including the Drug Dealer Simulator series, it caught the attention not just of fans, but also of other developers and publishers in the same niche.
What Happens Next?
Unless TVGS responds publicly, or Movie Games S.A. decides to escalate this into a formal lawsuit, the case remains in limbo. But industry watchers and players alike will be keeping an eye on what happens next.
If the investigation concludes that TVGS did infringe on protected elements of Drug Dealer Simulator, expect the legal battle to escalate. If not, Schedule 1 will likely continue its upward momentum, potentially solidifying its place as a standout indie success of 2025.
Conclusion
The Schedule 1 lawsuit game investigation reflects a broader tension in the indie gaming world, where success can bring both opportunity and legal scrutiny. For now, players can continue to enjoy the game, but its long-term future could depend on how this legal situation unfolds.
As always, we’ll update this story with new developments as they emerge. Stay tuned for more on Schedule 1’s future, legal outcomes, and the evolving indie gaming scene.