Schedule 1, a drug-dealing simulator, is being investigated for copyright infringement. The game is based on avoiding the law, so it’s a little ironic thatSchedule 1and its indie developer TVGS are facing some potential legal struggles asSchedule 1continues to grow in popularity.
Reports fromGameRantandInsider Gamingsay thatDrug Dealer Simulatorstudio Movie Games completed a legal analysis on April 3 (via thePolish Press Agency) that concludedSchedule 1may have gained a little too much inspiration from its series. The developer alleges that TVGS took not only plot elements but also game mechanics and user interface information fromDrug Dealer Simulatorto createSchedule 1and that the similarities are more than enough for further legal action to be taken.
Schedule 1was released in late March and quickly earned an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam. TVGS recently pushed the game’sfirst major updatethrough in beta, with plans for the update to hit all players soon.
Similarities Between Drug Dealer Simulator And Schedule 1
Movie Games Alleges It Hold Rights To Drug-Dealing Simulators
Despite its claims againstSchedule 1, Movie Games didn’t provide further information on exactly what the game copied fromDrug Dealer Simulatorbeyondbasic similarities in plot and mechanics, stating that investigations were still pending. Instead, the studio claimed that “unfair competition” existed between the two, implying that the titles were too similar to coexist in the gaming market and that Movie Games owned the drug dealer simulation concept.
Fans ofSchedule 1are not happy with Movie Games' actions. One Reddit user and fan of the game,Creepy-Animator9779, stated,“Schedule 1 is a fresh, atmospheric take with unique visuals and clearly a different vibe than Dealer Simulator.“Another player,krm787, took direct aim at Movie Games, saying in part,“This is just one company being jealous of another games success in a similar genre.”
Drug Dealer Simulator: Best Money Making Drugs
With Drug Dealer Simulator allowing the player to sell and distribute drugs, players will naturally want to know which ones are the most profitable.
The motion to investigateSchedule 1was filed on March 24, the same day the game was released. Filing on launch day suggests Movie Games had prior knowledge — and concern — regardingSchedule 1’smechanics, yet chose not to act untilSchedule 1was available to the public.
What Could Happen To Schedule 1?
The Game Faces An Uncertain Future
While no lawsuits have been filed against TVGS orSchedule 1at this time, copyright investigations are taken very seriously in the legal world. If Movie Games decides to take legal action, and it’s determined TVGS plagiarized their concept and mechanics, it’s almost certain thatSchedule 1will be removed from Steam. TVGS would likely have to pay a fine or may even face jail time, depending on the severity of the charges. On the other hand, Movie Games' arguments could be dismissed, leaving bothSchedule 1andDrug Dealer Simulatoron the market.
There’s still a lot that needs to happen before fans have to worry about the future ofSchedule 1,especially since the similarities between the two games are merely being investigated. In the meantime,Schedule 1is still available, and there’s no reason why players should avoid the new simulator.
