We know Bully 2 was supposed to go ahead but it has since been canceled due to Rockstar putting all of their focus into GTA 6. Honestly, I am okay with this.
I am a great fan of the GTA series. The games have always been ahead of their time, and it’s even more amazing to realize that GTA 5 still feels fresh even after 10 years. I am eager to see how incredible GTA 6 is going to be.
Rockstar, the game development company, had a wide range of successful titles prior to the release of GTA 5. Some of their noteworthy games were L.A. Noire, Bully, GTA, Red Dead Redemption, Manhunt, and others. However, over the last decade, only two games, GTA and Red Dead Redemption, have been released. It is important to note that game development costs have significantly increased over the years, and this could be one of the reasons behind the decrease in the number of game releases.
Due to the increasing complexity of games, they require more resources and manpower, resulting in a decrease in the number of games being produced compared to previous generations.
I think Rockstar Games has decided to focus all its efforts on developing GTA 6 as they intend it to be an incredibly advanced game. It’s not a bad decision, as it ensures that when GTA 6 is eventually released, it will be one of the best games ever created, and it will remain so for a long time.
However.
Would I have preferred Rockstar to invest everything into Bully 2 instead of pooling resources for GTA 6?
Yes. Why? Let me explain.
Bully was a game developed by Rockstar that was way ahead of its time. It featured a vast and interactive environment, an engaging story, a variety of weapons, customization options, and even a class timetable that you had to adhere to. I spent hours on the classes alone, not to mention all the other activities you could do, such as visiting the carnival, going shopping, or simply causing mayhem in the cafeteria. Overall, it was an incredibly immersive and enjoyable experience.
Realistically, the game had a LOT of replayable value. Granted, GTA is always going to have a hell of a lot more because of the online aspect. Due to my age, my heart just wants Bully 2 more.
Bully came out in 2006 and we’ve had nothing since then. We’ve had 2 GTA titles and even 2 Red Dead Redemption titles since then. I want a sequel to Bully and at this stage, I’d even settle for a remastered version instead.
The game was beyond advanced for its time as I’ve already mentioned. There are AAA games that come out today that couldn’t even tie Bully’s laces and that shows the high standards Rockstar has.
In my opinion, when it comes to revisiting games from the PlayStation 2 era, there is no other game that comes close to Bully. Although games like The Simpsons: Hit and Run and Warriors are also great, Bully stands out because it offers a complete gaming experience. It has everything one could ask for in a game.
I remember spending hours at the carnival just to earn enough tickets to buy a moped or unlock a go-kart. This made the game special because it required careful planning to balance completing missions, exploring the map, and following a timetable. The go-kart was especially helpful for timing my day well.
When you think about the map of Bullworth Academy, it is quite massive. The school itself was huge, and there were many other areas to explore such as the city center, the beach, the carnival, and the rich houses section. The map was extensive and offered a lot of fun and excitement for players.
In my opinion, while I understand that many people are eagerly waiting for GTA 6, I would prioritize the development of Bully 2 if given the choice to allocate resources. I’m unsure if this is an unpopular opinion, but it’s just my personal preference.
I hope that one day Rockstar will revive the Bully IP, maybe after the release of GTA 6. I am disappointed it was canceled.
