Summary
- Fans of the original Bully game shouldn't give up hope for a sequel, as there is still a valid reason to hope for a new Bully game.
- Despite the focus on other franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, there is still potential for Rockstar to revisit the Bully setting and create a new game. However, recent leaks point out to Bully 2 being canceled - but this hasn't been confirmed or denied yet.
- Even if a direct sequel doesn't happen, there are still plenty of ways for Rockstar to bring back the world of Bully, such as spin-offs or exploring different perspectives within the town.
Bully 2 has still never seen the light of day even after years of rumors, but fans shouldn't give up hope for the series yet. While it may not be high on Rockstar's priority list, the series' legacy is one that never seems to fully fade. Expectations for Bully 2 have come and gone over the years, with the original game still having a fanbase that would love a chance to return to Bullworth. Whether Bully 2 will actually come to pass is still a mystery, but Rockstar could eventually find some reason to return to the setting.
Even though Bully has aged since 2006, it has a reputation for being one of Rockstar's most notable cult classics. The game followed Jimmy Hopkins, a rebellious student and new transfer to Bullworth Academy, a private school overrun with hostile cliques and bullies. Over the course of the game, Jimmy confronts the leaders of every clique and takes them down one by one. While not having the same criminal record as past Rockstar protagonists, Jimmy possessed the same aggressive personality and toughness that would be expected of one. Bully's memorable setting and solid gameplay helped it earn a cult following that persists to this day.
Why Bully 2 is Unlikely to Be the Next Rockstar Game After GTA 6
Bully is an overlooked gem from developer Rockstar Games, but while a sequel has been rumored, it's unlikely to be the studio's next project.
Bully Created a World that Still Has Stories for Rockstar to Tell
The frequent rumors surrounding Bully 2 have been appearing off and on for at least a decade. Claims that a sequel is in the works have appeared on numerous occasions, and there have been multiple reported cancelations of such a sequel as well. However, the game seems to have fallen by the wayside as Rockstar's focus seems to be on Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, two franchises that continue to prove their substantial place in the gaming industry. At this point, barring an official announcement or trailer from Rockstar, it might be difficult to imagine Bully 2 seeing an actual release.
A recent leak suggests that Rockstar Games canceled several projects in order to keep GTA Online going, including GTA Tokyo, Bully 2, Agent, and eight DLCs for GTA 5.
Even though there is less weight behind Bully 2 rumors in recent years, there's still a valid reason to hope for a sequel. The game already has a built-in fanbase that would gladly jump at the news of a new Bully game. Likewise, the rougher edges of the first game's gameplay could be fixed up and made into a stronger package overall. For example, a sequel could feature more class minigames, or improved versions of old ones, and the combat could be upgraded with more variety in moves. The first Bully was built on a strong framework, and it would be a shame if it was sent to waste.
Bully is a prime example of a Rockstar property that deserves a second chance. Even if it doesn't get a direct sequel, there are still plenty of ways to bring Bullworth back. For example:
- A spin-off could tackle Bullworth Academy from another angle
- A game could focus on the town as a whole rather than just the academy
- Another character could inherit Jimmy's protagonist role
- The corrupted core of the town's problems could be uncovered
Bullworth has enough potential material to carry another full game. Sequel or not, Rockstar could find something to do with the setting of Bully other than leaving it in obscurity.
At this point, those following news regarding Rockstar should expect more from Grand Theft Auto 6 before anything else, with the highly-anticipated game's first trailer finally released in December. However, Bully cannot be counted out yet, even though it's still not at the top of Rockstar's priority list. The Bully brand can still live on after being shelved for so long, similar to Red Dead's revival with Red Dead Redemption. Whether or not it's called Bully 2, revisiting Bullworth shouldn't be off the table for Rockstar.
- Released
- October 17, 2006
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Vancouver
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Engine
- RenderWare, Gamebryo
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
WHERE TO PLAY
The Rockstar tradition of groundbreaking, original gameplay, and tongue-in-cheek storytelling invades the schoolyard.
As a mischievous teenager, Jimmy Hopkins, you’ll stand up to bullies, take on the liars, cheats, and snobs who are the most popular members of the student body and faculty at Bullworth Academy — the corrupt and crumbling prep school with an uptight façade — and ultimately learn to navigate the obstacles of life in the worst school around.
If you can survive the school year and outsmart your rivals, you could rule the school.
