Bully Online Modders Force Unwanted Shutdown
A recent project aimed at enhancing the gaming experience for Rockstar’s Bully has unexpectedly ceased operations. This multiplayer modding initiative, known as Bully Online, was launched late last year but has now been pulled offline just a month after its debut.
Bully Online Modders Announce Sudden Shutdown
On January 20, 2023, an announcement was made on the Discord server of project lead Swegta, a notable YouTuber. The team stated, “The Bully Online project is shutting down forever.” This declaration highlighted that several actions would take place within 24 hours:
- The official Bully Online server would be taken offline.
- Development of scripts for the mod would come to an end.
- The source code would be removed from the official website.
- All related web pages would be deleted.
- Launcher downloads would be taken down.
- All data related to Bully Online accounts would be permanently erased.
Reasons for the Shutdown Remain Unclear
So far, the team has not provided specific reasons for this abrupt decision. They emphasized that the shutdown was not part of their intentions. The announcement further encouraged players to log in within the given time frame to capture any final moments or screenshots from the mod.
On January 21, Swegta is expected to offer a more detailed explanation regarding the shutdown in a YouTube video. Speculation suggests that this action was influenced by legal pressure from Rockstar or Take-Two, companies known for their strict stance on modding projects.
The Future of Modding at Rockstar
This incident, unfortunately, reflects the ongoing challenges faced by modders in the gaming community. Rockstar and Take-Two have a history of enforcing copyright laws against modding initiatives, despite a more complicated stance on modding in recent years. The quick demise of the Bully Online project, which seemed promising when first announced, underscores these challenges.
For fans and players, the future of modding for Bully remains uncertain, as this recent shutdown serves as a reminder of the legal constraints impacting creative projects within the gaming industry.
