For many enthusiasts, the notion of a Bully sequel from Rockstar Games has remained an unfulfilled wish. Previous reports from former co-founder Dan Houser cited internal “bandwidth issues” as the reason for the project's shelving, and given the extensive development time for Grand Theft Auto 6, a modern revival of Bully 2 seems increasingly improbable. However, the original Bully game is experiencing an unexpected resurgence. A dedicated collective of modders has crafted an innovative online mode, drawing parallels to the expansive multiplayer component found in Grand Theft Auto V.
While the scale and investment of Rockstar's Los Santos Online are colossal, the fan-made Bully Online mod offers a surprisingly rich and detailed experience. This modification not only opens up Bullworth town for continuous multiplayer antics but also integrates a variety of additional gameplay systems. These enhancements include a sophisticated role-playing framework, a player-specific inventory, and a dynamic trading system, empowering players to accumulate wealth and invest in assets such as residences, weaponry, and personalized vehicles.
The Bully Online mod also introduces a series of engaging minigames, some of which are remarkably imaginative. Among the most peculiar is “Rat Wars,” a multiplayer deathmatch concept that ingeniously bypasses the game's non-lethal core by transporting players to an alternate dimension. Here, participants control rodents and engage in firearm battles, utilizing pistols, shotguns, and sniper rifles. Another addition is a racing mode, which, though more conventional, allows for creative vehicle customization using items like shopping carts, go-karts, and even salvaged automobiles.
This groundbreaking project is spearheaded by the YouTuber and ardent Bully supporter, Swegta. The development of Bully Online was made possible through the utilization of the DSL script-loader plug-in. Swegta elaborated in a reveal video for Bully Online that capabilities once deemed impossible are now achievable, including the creation of a fully functional online mode for the game.
The development team has established a dedicated server for Bully Online, with plans to open access to subscribers of the mod's Ko-Fi page starting in December. The ultimate goal is to make the server universally accessible, but subscribing offers exclusive benefits such as development updates, personalized name tag colors, and priority access during peak server times. The initial subscription-based rollout has prompted discussions regarding potential legal actions from Rockstar, especially considering the company's history of addressing unauthorized modifications. Swegta has sought to reassure the community by emphasizing that the mod necessitates a legitimate copy of the game and does not involve the redistribution of any game files. The future response from Rockstar remains to be seen.