Key Takeaways
1. Dan Houser cites “bandwidth issues” and focus on Grand Theft Auto 6 as reasons for the cancellation of a Bully sequel.
2. Modders SWEGTA are developing a multiplayer mod called Bully Online, allowing players to explore Bullworth and engage in various activities.
3. The mod features unique gameplay elements, including minigames like Rat Wars and customizable go-kart racing.
4. Early Access for Bully Online is set to launch in December 2025, with an entry fee of $8, but will be free for everyone in 2026.
5. SWEGTA addresses legal concerns, stating the mod requires a legal copy of Bully and does not compete with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive.
While the anticipation for a follow-up to Rockstar Games’ Bully seems to be fading, former co-founder Dan Houser has cited “bandwidth issues” as the reason for its cancellation, alongside the studio’s focus on Grand Theft Auto 6. However, a group of modders named SWEGTA is tirelessly creating a multiplayer mode for Bully.
Multiplayer Mod Announcement
On October 27, SWEGTA shared a trailer for the multiplayer mod called Bully Online, which has already attracted hundreds of thousands of views. This mod basically turns the PC version of Bully: Scholarship Edition into an online experience, much like GTA Online.
Gamers will have the chance to explore the whole of Bullworth, engage in roleplay, manage an inventory, and trade items for money to purchase houses, weapons, and vehicles.
Unique Gameplay Features
The mod is built on the DSL script-loader plugin, introducing numerous minigames. One of the most bizarre minigames, Rat Wars, teleports players to a strange dimension where giant rats wielding guns battle it out.
Additionally, there’s a go-kart racing minigame where players can customize rides made from shopping carts, go-karts, and wrecked cars on deserted tracks.
In the reveal video, Swegta discussed how the mod has progressed, saying:
Many things that seemed impossible just a few years ago are now achievable, including creating an online mode. Bully Online utilizes the DSL script loader, which provides a much more adaptable method for modding.
Early Access and Pricing
Moreover, the mod lets players activate side quests and minigames set in unique dimensions.
For those eager to experience Bully Online, Early Access is expected to launch in December 2025. Supporters can access the mod through the project’s Ko-fi page, which will have an entry fee of $8.
Early Access participants will receive benefits like developer previews, a blue name tag in-game, a digital camera, priority queues, and a special supporter Discord channel.
Fortunately, the paywall will be lifted when the game is publicly available in 2026, with no extra charges. The team noted, “We are a small group of devoted fans. We dedicate as much time as possible to this project, but, you know, time costs money, and it’s a hobby.”
Legal Concerns Addressed
Still, the Ko-fi paywall model has raised fears that Rockstar Games or Take-Two could intervene, given their history of shutting down similar projects like FiveM Bully servers and RDR2’s VR mods.
In response to these worries, SWEGTA made a post on X, clarifying:
Regarding concerns about Bully Online’s legality: Bully Online: – Needs a legal copy of the game to play. Does not share any game files. Does not compete with Rockstar Games/Take-Two Interactive properties. Only modifies game executables and loads content created by us.
If Take-Two or Rockstar Games have issues with what we are doing, they can easily get in touch with me to talk it over. Our main goal is to provide fans with a fun way to revisit the game through online gameplay. This is why we aim to make the mod free for everyone to enjoy in 2026.
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