In a sudden turn of events, the gaming sensation Schedule 1 has been removed from sale in the Australian Steam store. Known for its gripping gameplay inspired by open-world classics like Grand Theft Auto, Schedule 1 has captured the attention of gamers worldwide with its ambitious challenge to build a virtual drug-dealing empire. Despite its popularity, the game is facing hurdles due to Australia's strict classification system.
The game, developed by TVGS, has received an overwhelming response, amassing a positive rating of 98% from over 174,000 enthusiastic users. However, the unforeseen classification issue has raised questions among the gaming community, as avid Australian players find themselves unable to purchase or access the game through Steam.
Developer Response
Tyler, the head of the studio at TVGS, expressed their prompt reaction to this development, explaining that the team is working diligently to address the situation. "We are in active communication with the ratings agency in Australia," stated Tyler in an attempt to calm the worries of both current and potential users of Schedule 1 in the region.
According to Tyler, the aim is to collaborate with the classification authorities to come up with a resolution that aligns with the regulatory requirements, enabling the game to return to the Australian market as quickly as possible. This commitment to resolution comes as a reassurance to players who have been eagerly following the game since its debut.
Such regulatory impediments are not uncommon in the gaming industry, especially with content that explores controversial themes. Australia, known for its stringent guidelines regarding video game content, has seen similar instances in the past. The classification issue surrounding Schedule 1, therefore, isn't entirely unexpected for seasoned developers familiar with these territories.
Nonetheless, Tyler and his team at TVGS remain optimistic about navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of aligning their content with local regulations without compromising the game's core experience which gamers globally have come to love.
As the discussions are ongoing, fans of the gaming world will be watching closely to see if Schedule 1 can return to Australian Steam stores, potentially marking a significant case study in international game classification and regulation.
