Tag: Schedule I

  • Steam’s Schedule I Restrictions in Australia Explained

    Steam’s Schedule I Restrictions in Australia Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Removal: The indie game Schedule I was taken down from the Australian Steam store due to a lack of classification by the Australian Classification Board, which is legally required for all games sold in Australia.

    2. Developer’s Clarification: Tyler, the developer, indicated that the game is not banned but is awaiting classification, as he assumed the classification law only applied to console or physical copies.

    3. Legal Compliance: All video games, including those on digital platforms, must be classified under Australia’s National Classification Scheme before being distributed, which highlights the importance of legal compliance for developers.

    4. Challenges for Developers: The situation underscores the difficulties independent developers face in understanding and navigating international legal requirements, as seen in similar cases with other games and platforms.

    5. Comparison with Other Platforms: Unlike Steam, Google Play includes specific prompts for regional legal compliance during the app submission process, emphasizing the need for developers to be aware of local regulations.

    The indie game Schedule I, which features an open world, has been taken down from the Australian Steam store due to a problem related to its classification. Tyler, the developer from TVGS, confirmed that the game hadn’t been submitted to the Australian Classification Board, which is a legal requirement.

    Developer’s Explanation

    In a message posted on Reddit and referenced in the discussions on Steam, Tyler shared, “I just found out that all games sold in Australia need to be classified before they can be available. I thought this only applied to console or physical copies. It seems like this law is not enforced consistently since there are many unclassified games available in Australia. We are starting the classification process today and are hoping to fix this in the next few days. I apologize for the trouble! To sum it up: not banned—just waiting for classification.”

    Legal Requirements

    The Australian Classification Board states that all video games available through online stores must be classified prior to being distributed. This rule covers digital platforms on PCs, mobile gadgets, and gaming consoles as part of Australia’s National Classification Scheme.

    Current Availability

    SteamDB shows that the store package for Schedule I is labeled as “Not in AU,” which confirms that it is currently unavailable in Australia. However, the game can still be played in all other regions where it is supported.

    Schedule I was taken off sale in Australia after achieving over 459,000 simultaneous players on Steam, due to the classification compliance issue. Its removal has highlighted the ongoing difficulties independent developers face in navigating international legal requirements.

    Industry Comparisons

    Similar challenges have cropped up in other instances, like Sega pulling more than 60 classic games from various digital stores and Amazon taking down the EmulationStation app, which helps organize and launch emulated games. These cases highlight how platform compliance and local laws can influence game accessibility.

    Steam’s onboarding documentation seems to lack prompts for region-specific legal compliance, such as the necessary classification in Australia. Developers are responsible for ensuring their games meet local legislation, but it’s unclear if Steam conducts automated legal checks during the submission process.

    In contrast, Google Play includes regional compliance steps within its app submission process, requiring developers to submit documentation for legal approval in countries with strict national regulations. These prompts are visible in the Play Console and are essential for distribution in those areas.

    TVGS has stated that it is now working on getting the classification to restore access for Australian players. As of now, the game is still available in all other supported areas.

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  • New Dealer Simulation Tops Steam Charts with 99% Positive Reviews

    New Dealer Simulation Tops Steam Charts with 99% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Positive Reception: Schedule I entered Early Access on March 24 and received around 1,800 reviews, with 99% being favorable.

    2. Gameplay Overview: Players act as drug dealers in Hyland Point, starting with no money or connections, and must grow plants and manage their operations.

    3. Exploration and Strategy: The game allows exploration of Hyland Point, requiring players to build networks, establish trade routes, and prepare for conflicts with rival cartels and police.

    4. Engaging Mini-Games: The developer has incorporated mini-games for tasks like planting and harvesting, adding depth to the gameplay.

    5. Pricing and Demo: The game is priced at $20, currently available for $16.99 with a 15% launch discount, and a free demo is offered for players to try before buying.

    We recently talked about Schedule I, a simulation game about drug dealing that gained attention on Steam with its demo version. On March 24, the game officially entered its Early Access phase and has received a very positive response since then. Just a day after its release, Schedule I had gathered roughly 1,800 reviews, with an impressive 99% of them being favorable. At the time of this writing, it was also occupying three top positions on SteamDB, ranking high in categories like “Trending Games,” “Popular Releases,” and “Hot Releases.”

    Dive into Hyland Point

    In Schedule I, players take on the role of drug dealers in the dilapidated coastal town called Hyland Point. You start with zero money and no connections, just a small-time dealer aiming to hit it big. Your adventure kicks off in a rundown motel room, which serves as your secret base, where you begin to grow your first plants discreetly. Getting started requires hands-on effort—literally. Players must care for the soil, select the right seeds, manage lighting, keep an eye on growth, and handle the harvest all by themselves. The developer, TVGS, has turned these chores into engaging mini-games, adding a layer of depth to the grind.

    Building Your Empire

    However, cultivating plants is only the start—achieving success demands more than just a knack for gardening. Players must establish a network, recruit their initial crew, and oversee the distribution of their products. The expansive world of Hyland Point is available for you to explore, whether you prefer walking, driving, or even skateboarding—exploration is rewarding. The more strategic your trade routes, the better your operations will run. But remember, the city isn’t just yours. Competing cartels are looking to claim your territory, and the police are always a looming danger. Conflicts can erupt at any moment and are resolved using fists, makeshift weapons, or firearms. To stay on top, you’ll need to be prepared for anything.

    Pricing and Availability

    TVGS, the developer and publisher, has set the standard price of Schedule I at around $20. To celebrate the launch of Early Access, the game is currently offered at a 15% discount, lowering the price to $16.99. Not sure if it’s the right fit for you? The free demo allows you to try it out before making a purchase.

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