Why is Schedule 1 removed from Steam in Australia

Time of India

14-05-2025

(Image via YouTube/Schedule 1)
Schedule 1, the popular indie game that lets players build a drug-dealing empire, has vanished from
Steam
in
Australia
. As the game was a breakout since its release in March, it left the fans confused and sparked a lot of discussions. While the initial concerns suggested a ban, the available details suggest regulatory compliance concerns. Here is all we know about the disappearance and if the fans must expect some quick resolution.
Why was Schedule 1 removed from Australian Steam?
— Tyler_TVGS (@Tyler_TVGS)
The drug-dealing simulator game Schedule 1 gained massive popularity since its release. It was, though, pulled from Steam in Australia due to the lack of an official age rating. The Developer admitted that they were unaware that the digital PC games needed classification in Australia— a rule they initially believed only applied to the console and physical releases.
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It's mandated by the
Australian Classification Board
that all the games that are sold in the country must carry the age rating. As Schedule 1 was without one, it violated the local guidelines and got temporarily delisted. The developers, as per reports, have since contracted the rating agency to resolve this issue swiftly, ensuring the game returns to Steam sooner.
Australia's strict stance on gaming content
This is not the first time when any game has faced Australian authorities' restrictions. Some titles like
Grand Theft Auto
: San Andreas and Fallout 3, among others, were banned/delayed due to concerns about content. Many got reinstated later after receiving appropriate ratings or minor edits.
For Schedule 1, the issue lies within the drug-related gameplay. It's a sensitive topic for Australian regulators. The Developer, though, is confident that the game will return with an 18+ rating soon, allowing the players to resume building the virtual drug empires without censorship concerns. As of now, the purchases are paused until the game receives rating clearance.
What is next for the Schedule 1 game Australia and its players?
While the Australian players wait for the return of Schedule 1, the game is available in the other regions, and the updates continue to be received. It's been assured by the developers that the gameplay experience is going to remain intact.
With the massive player base and some overwhelmingly positive reviews, the temporary absence of Schedule 1 in Australia is just a minor setback. The game can be expected to soon reappear on Steam, allowing the players to dive back into the criminal underworld.
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