Bully Online Shut Down: Fan-Made Multiplayer Mod Ceases Operations
The highly anticipated online multiplayer mod for Rockstar Games‘ Bully, known as Bully Online, has been abruptly shut down less than a month after its launch on December 15, 2023. Developed by Fat Pigeon, a team of modders led by Bully content creator Swegta, the mod added new multiplayer activities, mini-games, custom vehicles, and competitive racing too the 2006 open-world game. The developers announced the mod’s permanent closure on January 14, 2024, citing reasons that remain unclear.
Sudden Closure and Data Wipe
A message posted to the official Bully Online Discord server announced the mod would be shut down “forever” within 24 hours.The developers stated they would cease development of new content and scripts, remove the source code from the project’s website, delete all associated webpages, and wipe all account data. As reported by TheNathanNS on X (formerly Twitter), players were given a final 24 hours to enjoy the mod before the servers were permanently taken offline.
Unclear Reasons for Shutdown
The reason for the sudden shutdown remains officially undisclosed. The Discord declaration indicated the decision was not the developers’ preferred outcome, stating, “For now though, know this was not something we wanted.” Swegta confirmed the news on X and promised a “proper statement on the situation” on January 21, 2024. A message on the project’s website simply states, “The Bully online project is shutting down. Thank you all for playing.”
Speculation and Rockstar/Take-Two Involvement
Many fans suspect that Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, are responsible for the shutdown. This speculation stems from the companies’ history of taking action against fan projects and mods, including issuing DMCA takedown notices and even pursuing legal action. Take-Two has previously removed older Grand Theft Auto mods and even sued a project attempting to reverse engineer GTA. Though, as of january 14, 2024, there has been no official confirmation of Rockstar or Take-Two’s involvement.
Kotaku has reached out to both Swegta and Rockstar Games for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Key Takeaways
- Bully Online, a fan-made multiplayer mod for Bully, was shut down on January 14, 2024, less than a month after its release.
- The developers have not publicly stated the reason for the shutdown, but indicated it was not thier desired outcome.
- Fans speculate that Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive might potentially be responsible,citing the companies’ history of shutting down fan projects.
- All account data and the mod’s source code will be deleted.
