Schedule 1, the indie drug business simulator game, has made waves in the PC gaming world since its release. However, Mac users hoping to jump into the gritty streets of Hyland Point may find themselves disappointed. As of March 2025, Schedule 1 is only available for Windows PCs. But don’t despair - there are still ways for Mac owners to get in on the action, albeit with some caveats.
Why Schedule 1 Isn’t Natively Available for Mac
The lack of a native Mac version of Schedule 1 comes down to a few key factors:
-
Market size: The Mac gaming market is significantly smaller than Windows, making it less profitable for developers to invest in Mac ports.
-
Technical differences: Schedule 1 uses DirectX, a graphics API exclusive to Windows. Porting to Metal, Apple’s graphics framework, requires substantial development effort.
-
Resource allocation: For a small indie studio like TVGS, dedicating time and money to a Mac port may not be feasible alongside ongoing Windows development.
-
Performance concerns: Ensuring smooth gameplay across various Mac hardware configurations adds complexity to the porting process.
While some major titles do make their way to Mac, it’s less common for indie games like Schedule 1 to receive official Mac support, especially early in their lifecycle.
Options for Playing Schedule 1 on Mac
Despite the lack of native support, determined Mac users have a few options to play Schedule 1:
Virtualization Software
Whisky is a popular, free virtualization tool that allows you to run Windows applications on Mac:
Step 1: Download and install Whisky from the official website.
Step 2: Set up a Windows environment within Whisky.
Step 3: Install Steam and Schedule 1 through the virtualized Windows.
Step 4: Launch the game through Whisky.
Keep in mind that performance may vary depending on your Mac’s specifications. Users report mixed results, with some experiencing playable framerates while others encounter significant lag.
CrossOver
CrossOver is a paid application that translates Windows APIs to macOS:
Step 1: Purchase and install CrossOver from their website.
Step 2: Set up a Windows “bottle” (a contained Windows environment).
Step 3: Install Steam and Schedule 1 within the CrossOver bottle.
Step 4: Launch the game through CrossOver.
CrossOver often provides better performance than free alternatives, but it’s not guaranteed to work flawlessly with all games.
Cloud Gaming Services
If your internet connection is stable, cloud gaming services can stream Schedule 1 to your Mac:
- GeForce Now: If you own Schedule 1 on Steam, you may be able to stream it through NVIDIA’s cloud gaming platform.
- Shadow: This service provides a full cloud-based Windows PC, allowing you to install and play Schedule 1 remotely.
Cloud gaming eliminates hardware concerns but may introduce input lag depending on your connection quality.
System Requirements and Considerations
Before attempting to run Schedule 1 on your Mac, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:
- At least 16GB of RAM
- A relatively recent Mac (2019 or newer recommended)
- Plenty of free storage space (at least 50GB recommended)
- For virtualization: A multi-core processor (quad-core or better)
Important: Running Windows software on Mac through unofficial methods can potentially cause system instability. Always back up your data before experimenting with virtualization tools.
The Future of Schedule 1 on Mac
While an official Mac port of Schedule 1 seems unlikely in the immediate future, there’s always a possibility as the game grows in popularity. In the meantime, Mac users can voice their interest to the developers through official channels like the Steam forums or the game’s social media accounts.
Additionally, keep an eye out for potential console releases. If Schedule 1 makes its way to platforms like PlayStation or Xbox, it could open up more accessible options for Mac users to enjoy the game on other devices.
For now, Mac users will need to rely on workarounds to experience Schedule 1’s unique blend of strategy and moral ambiguity. While these methods may not provide the smoothest gameplay experience, they offer a way for determined fans to dive into the seedy underworld of Hyland Point, regardless of their chosen operating system.