Following its recent launch in Early Access on Steam, the emerging indie title Schedule 1 is currently under scrutiny due to a copyright inquiry, stemming from its perceived resemblances to Drug Dealer Simulator. However, the publisher of the latter game has clarified, amidst growing concerns, that there is no ongoing lawsuit.
In a recent announcement on Steam, Movie Games addressed the controversies, reaffirming their stance amidst speculations regarding legal actions against Schedule 1’s developer, TVGS.
“There is no lawsuit,” the statement asserts. “Our aim is not to hinder TVGS from selling or creating their game.” Although no legal action has been initiated as of this moment, there is an active copyright investigation examining the similarities “between the games.”
As per Movie Games, “There is an investigation into the nature of similarities between the games since a preliminary legal analysis indicated there might have been an infringement.” The publisher deems this inquiry “necessary” given the recurring claims of striking similarities observed between the titles.
If the investigation does not proceed, Movie Games warns that it could potentially “face severe consequences for negligence.”
The publisher elaborated on how the situation escalated, noting how rumors regarding a lawsuit surfaced shortly after the initial disclosures. “The information was communicated solely via ESPI, a stock market communication system, where we are required to share such details for transparency. Failing to do so would also constitute negligence. Subsequently, the media picked up the story, and in certain instances, it was inaccurately reported as a lawsuit.”
Additionally, Movie Games clarified that the developers of Drug Dealer Simulator are not involved in this matter. “This issue is being handled exclusively by Movie Games, the publisher, without involvement from Byterunners, the developer of Drug Dealer Simulator.”
The impact of this clarification on the ongoing review bombing is yet to be seen; however, as it stands, Schedule 1 maintains an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating, contrasted with Drug Dealer Simulator’s “Overwhelmingly Negative” feedback.
A fresh beta update for Schedule 1 has rolled out on Steam, introducing features like golden toilets and a new pawn shop for selling items beyond just drugs.