Nearly two decades after its initial release on PS2 (and later on Wii and Xbox 360), Rockstar Games’ Bully continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Despite the original’s success and persistent calls for a sequel, Rockstar has remained focused on its flagship franchises, Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. While several attempts at a Bully 2 have reportedly been made, none have come to fruition, leaving fans wondering about the future of the series. With GTA 6 slated for release next year, followed by a likely Red Dead Redemption 3, it seems a new Bully title is a distant dream.
However, a recent discovery has sparked renewed hope amongst Bully enthusiasts. Noted Rockstar insider Tez2 pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) that a development branch has been added to Bully: Scholarship Edition on SteamDB, the first such activity in a decade. This unexpected update has naturally led to speculation.
One plausible explanation offered by Tez2 is that Rockstar is addressing the persistent crash issues plaguing the PC version, perhaps in preparation for GTA+ support once the GTA V Gen9 edition launches on PC. While this is a reasonable assumption, some believe it could signify something more substantial.
This SteamDB update could hint at a potential remaster or re-release of Bully: Scholarship Edition. While far from confirmation, it’s unusual for Rockstar to revisit older titles in this manner without a specific purpose. Considering the ongoing demand for a Bully sequel and the challenges in bringing a new installment to fruition, a remaster could be a strategic move to appease fans and revitalize interest in the franchise.
Another possibility is the implementation of bug fixes and performance enhancements for the existing PC version. This aligns with the speculation around preparing for GTA+ integration and would address the long-standing technical issues players have encountered.
While the exact nature of this update remains unclear, it’s a significant development for a game that has been largely dormant for years. The timing, coinciding with the upcoming GTA V Gen9 PC release, adds further intrigue.
Ultimately, only time will tell what Rockstar Games has in store for Bully. The studio has remained silent on the matter, and given their history of keeping projects under wraps, it’s unlikely we’ll receive official confirmation anytime soon. However, this recent activity on SteamDB offers a glimmer of hope for Bully fans eager for any news related to their beloved franchise.
