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Better Mart: Build and Manage Your Dream Supermarket

If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own supermarket, stocking shelves, and raking in profits, then Better Mart might just be your new obsession. Developed and published by Exanticx Studio, the game dropped on Steam just a few days ago on May 16, 2025, and it’s already making waves in the management sim community. Let’s break down what Better Mart is all about, how it plays, and what early players are saying about it.

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A Quick Overview of Better Mart

Better Mart is a dynamic management sim with a sprinkle of indie charm, where you get to create, customize, and grow the supermarket of your dreams. It’s all about blending strategy with creativity—you’re not just running a store; you’re designing it from the ground up. Released for PC on Steam, this game puts you in the driver’s seat of a retail empire, challenging you to attract customers, outsmart competitors, and keep those shelves stocked. 

Exanticx Studio has leaned into giving players total freedom, which makes every playthrough feel personal and unique. Whether you’re a fan of sims like Two Point Hospital or just love the idea of building something from scratch, Better Mart has a lot to offer.

Gameplay: Stock, Strategize, and Succeed

So, what’s it like to actually play Better Mart? Picture this: you start with an empty space, and it’s up to you to turn it into a bustling supermarket. You can switch between first-person and third-person views, which makes it feel immersive whether you’re placing products or walking the aisles yourself. The core gameplay revolves around designing your store’s layout—think arranging aisles, optimizing customer flow, and making sure everything looks inviting. You’ll need to keep an eye on market trends, adjust prices, and manage stock to stay ahead of the competition.

What I love is how much control you have. Want to create a quirky store with neon signs and a candy aisle that’s bigger than the produce section? Go for it. Prefer a sleek, minimalist vibe? That works too. The game mixes fun with strategy, so you’re not just decorating—you’re also making tough calls to maximize profits. There’s even an online co-op, so you can team up with friends to run your store together, which adds a whole new layer of chaos and fun. It’s still in early access, so there’s more to come, but the sandbox vibe already feels super engaging.

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Initial Reception on Steam: What Are Players Saying?

Since its release a few days ago, Better Mart has been getting a warm welcome on Steam, though it’s not without a few hiccups. Players are loving the freedom to design their stores—many have called it “addictive” and praised how satisfying it is to see their supermarket come to life. The mix of casual sim elements with deeper management strategy has been a hit, especially for fans of the genre. 

One player on Steam mentioned, “I’ve already sunk 10 hours into this, and I’m obsessed with perfecting my store layout!” The co-op mode is also getting some love, with players enjoying the teamwork aspect of running a virtual business.

That said, since it’s in early access, some folks have pointed out a few bugs and rough edges. A common critique is that the UI can feel a bit clunky, and a few players have mentioned wanting more variety in products and customer interactions. Exanticx Studio seems to be listening, though—they’ve already posted on Steam about upcoming updates to address feedback. Overall, the initial reception is positive, with a lot of excitement about the game’s potential as it grows. It’s sitting at a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam right now, which is a solid start for an indie title in early access.

Final Thoughts

Better Mart is a delightful indie sim that’s perfect for anyone who loves building and managing their own little world. Its mix of creative freedom and strategic depth makes it a great pick for fans of management games, and the co-op feature adds a fun twist. While it’s still in early access and has some kinks to work out, the foundation is strong, and it’s clear Exanticx Studio has big plans for its future. If you’re curious, you can grab it on Steam—there’s even a 10% discount right now!

Schedule I: How a Gritty Drug-Dealing Indie Game Became a 2025 Breakout Hit

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In a year flooded with cozy life sims and over-polished reboots, one indie game did the unthinkable — it turned drug dealing into one of the most intense and thought-provoking gameplay experiences of 2025. Schedule I, a gritty, strategy-heavy underworld simulator, has gone from underground curiosity to breakout success. And it did it on its own terms.

With zero corporate backing, no flashy trailers, and a subject matter that most studios wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole, Schedule I is a prime example of indie fearlessness — and how powerful word-of-mouth, smart design, and engaging gameplay can break through the noise.

What Is Schedule I?

Schedule I puts players in the role of a low-level hustler trying to survive — and thrive — in a city where opportunity is scarce and danger is everywhere. Starting with barely enough cash for a burner phone and a few grams of product, you slowly build your network, manage your risk, negotiate supply deals, avoid law enforcement, and make choices that shape your rise — or downfall.

This is more than a clicker or a sim. It’s a raw, dynamic crime drama wrapped in a pixelated city full of consequences.

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Why Schedule I Blew Up

1. Gameplay That Hits Harder than the Drugs you Create!

Schedule I’s gameplay may seem limited at first, growing weed and selling it out of your run-down motel room. It doesn’t take long to realize how much deeper and insanely addictive the gameplay loop becomes. You’ll be busy creating new strains, mixing products to increase your profits. Supplying and tracking your dealers, providing them the clients to make the best cash for the least amount of effort. Then moving on to new premises with your hard-earned, illegally laundered cash!

Expanding your enterprise day by day is an incredibly engaging and rewarding experience.

2. Viral Momentum on TikTok and Twitch

You can thank the streamers and TikTok creators for turning Schedule I into a viral hit. Short clips of intense standoffs, clever dealer setups, and emotional story moments caught fire fast — especially with creators who thrive on emergent chaos and tough decision-making. The game practically markets itself through its wild moments.

At its peak, Schedule I had over 450k concurrent players on Steam. Insane! 

3. Passionate Developer

Developed by a single developer, Tyler (TVGS). You can just feel love that has been put into everything from the googly eyed, drug addicted characters to the expansive city of Hyland Point. Tyler has already updated the game with bug fixes and new content. The future looks bright! 

4. It’s Not Just a Game — It’s a Statement

Beneath its gritty exterior, Schedule I is saying something. About class. About desperation. About systems designed to fail the people inside them. It’s part strategy game, part social critique — and players are here for it.

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The Verdict: Schedule I Is Indie Gaming at Its Boldest

Schedule I is not here to make you comfortable — and that’s exactly why it’s blowing up. In a time when many games chase virality with trends and tropes, this one built its name by doing the opposite: telling a dangerous story with depth, fun mechanics, and an immersive world.

It’s not for everyone — and that’s part of the appeal.If you’re looking for one of the best indie games of 2025, one that challenges your decisions and your morals, Schedule I should be at the top of your list. Just don’t expect to walk away clean!