Rockstar Pulls Down Bully’s Online Mod Just One Month After Release
Rockstar has shut down the “Bully Online” mod, just one month after its launch. The mod aimed to introduce online multiplayer features to the 2006 game, Bully. The removal occurred on a Wednesday without detailed reasons provided.
Background on Bully Online and Its Development
The “Bully Online” mod was initiated by Swegta, a prominent YouTuber who focuses on Rockstar games. He announced the mod’s development in October, describing it as a platform allowing players to engage in various activities such as mini-games, role-playing, racing, and battling against non-playable characters (NPCs).
Initially, Swegta indicated that early access would be exclusive to supporters who donated at least $8 through a Ko-Fi account. However, the situation changed when the December release was announced as a free, open-source project.
Changes Announced and Removal of Content
As the release date approached, Swegta revealed that registration for the mod would be open to everyone. Unfortunately, this change was short-lived. Shortly after the takedown, all related content was removed from Swegta.com.
- Source code and downloads for the custom launcher were unavailable.
- Official communication cited in Discord stated that development would cease.
- All user account data created for the mod was slated for deletion.
The abrupt removal highlights the ongoing tensions between modders and game developers. Such actions can impact community-driven projects, which often seek to extend the life of older titles.
As the gaming community processes this event, it raises questions about the future of fan-created content for classic games. The shutdown of “Bully Online” serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and intellectual property rights in the gaming world.
