Bully Online: Rockstar's Cult Classic Gets Multiplayer Fan Mod
The school bell at Bullworth Academy may have been silent for years, but a dedicated community is preparing to ring it once again—this time for players around the world. Nearly two decades after the release of Rockstar Games' beloved and controversial classic, Bully, a new project promises to breathe incredible new life into its hallowed halls. An ambitious team of modders has officially announced Bully Online, a massive modification that aims to introduce a fully-fledged online multiplayer experience to the iconic single-player game.
The project is spearheaded by the well-known content creator and developer SWEGTA, a prominent and respected figure within the Bully fan community. After years of development shrouded in anticipation, the official reveal confirms that the long-held dream of exploring the world of Bullworth with friends is finally becoming a reality. This fan-driven effort is set to transform the revered action-adventure title into a shared social space, allowing players to team up, compete, and cause a little mischief together.
What is Bully Online?
Bully Online is a modification designed for the PC version of Bully: Scholarship Edition. At its core, the project injects the necessary code and net-working infrastructure into the game to allow multiple players to connect to the same session and interact within the game's world. This is not a standalone game or an official release from Rockstar Games, but rather a passion project built by fans, for fans.
The development team has announced that players will be able to enjoy a variety of activities together. The initial focus appears to be on cooperative and competitive minigames, leveraging the wealth of unique gameplay mechanics that made the original so memorable. While the full scope of features is still under wraps, the possibilities have the community buzzing with excitement.
The Vision: Minigames, Mayhem, and More
The initial announcement confirmed that players will be able to engage in various minigames with their friends. This opens the door to a wide range of potential activities directly inspired by the original game's curriculum and extracurricular fun.
Potential multiplayer activities could include:
- Go-Kart Races: Competing for first place in the chaotic street and carnival circuits.
- Boxing Matches: Stepping into the ring at the gym to see who the real king of the campus is.
- Arcade Challenges: Battling for high scores on the 'Consumo' and 'Nut Shots' arcade cabinets.
- Classroom Competitions: Turning English, Chemistry, or Shop class into a head-to-head challenge of skill.
- Dodgeball: A full-team PvP version of the iconic gym class activity.
Beyond structured minigames, fans are hopeful for a free-roam mode that would allow players to simply explore the detailed environments of Bullworth Academy and its surrounding town. The ability to form cliques, pull pranks on NPCs, or simply hang out at the carnival with a friend is a core part of the Bully Online appeal. The project aims to create a dynamic and persistent world where players can forge their own stories.
A Passion Project Years in the Making
The journey to Bully Online has been a long and dedicated one. Led by SWEGTA, the project represents a significant technical undertaking, requiring a deep understanding of the original game's engine and the complexities of online networking. For years, the Bully community has been one of the most passionate in gaming, consistently creating content, discovering secrets, and keeping the spirit of the game alive.
This mod is the culmination of that passion. It serves as a powerful example of how dedicated modding communities can extend the lifespan of classic titles, often adding features that players have wanted for years. In an era where official news on a potential Bully sequel remains non-existent, Bully Online steps in to fill a massive void, offering a fresh and exciting reason to return to Bullworth Academy.
Release Date and Early Access
The development team is targeting an early-access launch for Bully Online in December 2025. This early-access phase will likely be available to fans who choose to support the project's development directly. This model allows the most dedicated community members to get their hands on the mod first, providing valuable feedback to the developers while helping fund the continued work required to bring the full vision to life.
As with any large-scale modding project, timelines can shift, but the announcement of a concrete target window is a major milestone that has galvanized the community and signaled that the finish line is in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Bully Online?
Bully Online is a fan-made multiplayer modification for the PC version of Bully: Scholarship Edition. It is not an official game but a community project that adds online functionality to the original single-player title.
Is Rockstar Games involved in this project?
No, Bully Online is an unofficial, fan-led project and is not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive.
When will Bully Online be released?
The development team is targeting an early-access release for December 2025.
What platform will Bully Online be on?
The mod is being developed for the PC version of Bully: Scholarship Edition. You will need to own a legitimate copy of the game on PC to play it.
How can I play or support Bully Online?
More details on how to access the mod and support its development are expected to be released by the development team, led by SWEGTA, as the early-access launch date approaches. Fans should keep an eye on the project's official channels for future announcements.