Schedule 1 Dev Considered Farming Sim Pivot

Indie Hit Schedule 1 Almost Became a Farming Sim

Schedule 1, the indie darling that lets players build a drug empire, nearly took a drastically different turn during development. Creator Tyler revealed that a contingency plan was in place to transform the game into a farming simulator if it faced rejection from Steam.

Key Takeaways:

• Schedule 1 creator Tyler considered pivoting the game to a farming simulator.
• This backup plan was contingent on Steam rejecting the game due to its mature themes.
• Thankfully, the game was approved, allowing its original vision to be realized.
• Despite Steam approval, some countries, including Australia, have issues with the game’s content.

A Risky Proposition

The unique premise of Schedule 1, focusing on illicit activities, presented a significant hurdle for distribution on platforms like Steam. Tyler shared in an interview with GamesRadar that the team had a viable pivot strategy ready.

“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,” Tyler told GamesRadar. “Just strip all the drug stuff out, make it a farming game–but thankfully, it was all right.”

Navigating Content Restrictions

While Steam ultimately approved Schedule 1, the game’s subject matter has not been universally accepted. Tyler noted that several countries have expressed disapproval, with his native Australia being one of them.

Editor’s Take

This revelation about Schedule 1’s near-transformation into a farming sim highlights the precarious balance indie developers often walk. The pressure to conform to platform guidelines while staying true to a unique artistic vision is immense. It’s a testament to Tyler’s commitment that the game launched with its intended controversial theme intact. However, the continued pushback from certain regions underscores the ongoing debate surrounding mature content in video games and the challenges developers face in reaching a global audience.