The breakout indie hit Schedule 1 has suddenly vanished from the Steam store in Australia, raising eyebrows across the gaming community. But fans can breathe easy—developer TVGS has confirmed that the game hasn’t been banned.
Why Was Schedule 1 Removed from Steam in Australia?
According to TVGS, Schedule 1 was temporarily taken down from Steam in Australia due to a classification issue, not due to censorship or a ban. In a recent post on Twitter/X, the solo developer clarified that the game simply lacked an age rating, which is mandatory for digital game sales in Australia.
To anyone in Australia, you might’ve noticed Schedule I is hidden on Steam. Don’t worry, the game hasn’t been banned, but it turns out all games sold in Australia need to receive a classification/age rating (I thought this was only required for console and physical releases 😅).…
— Tyler – Schedule I (@Tyler_TVGS) May 12, 2025
What Is Schedule 1?
Released on March 24, 2025, Schedule 1 quickly became one of Steam’s most talked-about indie games. It reached over 130,000 concurrent players just two days after launch. The game puts players in the shoes of a small-time drug dealer, crafting and selling Schedule 1 substances while building an underground empire.
With detailed mechanics involving crafting, logistics, automation, and territorial defense, the game offers an intense and immersive criminal underworld simulation.
Is the Game Coming Back?
Yes. TVGS has already reached out to the Australian classification board and is actively working to get the proper rating so the game can return to the Steam store in Australia. The developer assured players that this was an oversight, not an intentional takedown.
No Copyright or Legal Ban
Although there was a brief investigation into potential copyright issues, TVGS confirmed that there was no copyright violation. The game’s removal was strictly procedural.
What Should Australian Players Do?
For now, Schedule 1 remains unavailable to purchase in Australia, but players who already own the game can still play it. TVGS recommends following their official Twitter or Steam updates for the latest developments.
While the sudden removal of Schedule 1 from Steam in Australia caught many by surprise, the issue is temporary and procedural. There is no ban, and the developer is working quickly to meet classification requirements. Fans can expect the game to return to the Australian market soon.