Schedule 1 is a viral sensation, but that was far from guaranteed. When it launched in early access, it was a new game from an unknown developer – and it revolves around the creation and distribution of drugs. Hardly something that many big companies would want to put their name on.
In fact, Schedule 1’s solo developer, Tyler, had a backup plan in case it was too much to get past Steam’s verification process. Turns out, if Valve rejected the game, then Schedule 1 would have launched anyway – as a farming simulator.
Schedule 1 Would Have Been A Farming Sim If It Couldn’t Get Approved To Launch On Steam
Tyler revealed this in a chat with GamesRadar+, in which he shared his backup plan to salvage Schedule 1 if its subject matter was too hot for Steam.
“Early during development, I had a plan where, if Steam wouldn’t take it for whatever reason, I could just pivot it to be a farming game,” he explains. “Just strip all the drug stuff out, make it a farming game – but thankfully, it was all right.”
This version of Schedule 1 would be unrecognisable to the game we got – and it almost definitely wouldn’t have been called Schedule 1, since that would make no sense. However, it was a clever way to ensure Tyler’s work wasn’t all for nothing, since it’s hard to imagine another storefront platforming the game if Valve had already said no.
There was once a time when the idea of Steam rejecting a game like Schedule 1 was ridiculous, but now, developers can’t be too careful. Following a campaign by groups opposed to adult content in games, Steam has become much harsher (and at times, inconsistent) with the games that it allows on its store. While originally aimed at p*rn games, we have recently seen a horror game, Horses, blocked from release due to the content in the game.
Thankfully for Schedule 1 fans, games about and featuring drugs do not appear to have been caught up in this. But in another life, who knows? Perhaps it would be a competitor to Stardew Valley. Yet another one, anyway.
Schedule 1 continues in early access after a successful first year. The game is set to fully launch in “two to three years”, according to past comments from Tyler.
- Released
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March 24, 2025
- Developer(s)
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TVGS
- Publisher(s)
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TVGS
- Engine
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Unity
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op
