Dan Houser on GTA 6, Bully 2, and Rockstar's Challenges

Last Updated: October 29, 2025

Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and the lead writer behind genre-defining titles like *Grand Theft Auto* and *Red Dead Redemption*, has offered rare insight into the creative pressures facing *GTA 6* and the long-debated reasons for the cancellation of a sequel to the cult classic *Bully*. Since his high-profile departure from the studio in 2020, fans have speculated about his perspective on the company's future.

Now, as he spearheads his new creative venture, Houser’s reflections provide valuable context on Rockstar's past priorities and future challenges.

The Immense Challenge of a Modern Grand Theft Auto

While Dan Houser is not directly involved in the development of *Grand Theft Auto 6*, his influence on the series is immeasurable. In a November 2023 interview with Vulture, he spoke about the unique complexities of writing the kind of sharp satire that became a hallmark of the *GTA* series in today's polarized cultural climate.

"It’s really unclear what we would even do with it, let alone how upset people would get with whatever we did," Houser explained, reflecting on the difficulty of satirizing a world that often feels beyond parody. His comments underscore the immense creative tightrope Rockstar must walk with *GTA 6*.

This pressure is compounded by astronomical expectations. After *Grand Theft Auto V* became one of the most successful entertainment products of all time, the stakes for its successor are unprecedented. The debut trailer for *GTA 6*, released in December 2023, shattered YouTube viewership records for a non-music video, confirming a global, ravenous appetite for the game. Set in the fictional state of Leonida, a modern-day take on Vice City, and featuring the series' first female protagonist, Lucia, the game is targeting a 2025 release. Houser’s insights highlight the core challenge for the current team: evolving the series' satirical edge for a new generation while navigating a drastically changed cultural landscape.

The Enduring Mystery of Bully 2

For years, one of the most persistent questions for Rockstar fans has been the fate of *Bully 2*. The 2006 original, an open-world adventure set in the fictional Bullworth Academy, earned a passionate following for its unique setting and departure from the studio's more mature-themed games. Despite constant rumors, a sequel never materialized.

While Houser has not given a single definitive interview explaining its cancellation, years of investigative reporting have painted a clear and consistent picture: the studio simply lacked the "bandwidth" to do it justice. Following the release of *Bully*, Rockstar's development pipeline became completely dominated by its two flagship franchises.

According to extensive reports from outlets like VGC, a script for *Bully 2* was written by Houser and a small team around 2008, but the project was ultimately shelved as the studio’s full focus shifted to finishing *Red Dead Redemption* and commencing work on *Grand Theft Auto V*. The project reportedly saw another brief revival after *Red Dead Redemption 2* shipped, but it once again failed to gain traction as the monumental task of developing *Grand Theft Auto 6* consumed all of the studio's resources. The ambition and sheer scale required for titles like *GTA V* and *RDR2* demanded the full attention of Rockstar's top creative talent, effectively crowding out any possibility of a proper return to Bullworth Academy.

A New Chapter with Absurd Ventures

Dan Houser's departure from Rockstar Games in March 2020 was a seismic event in the gaming industry. As the Vice President of Creative, his writing and world-building were fundamental to the studio's identity.

After leaving, Houser founded Absurd Ventures, a transmedia company aiming to build new narrative worlds across various platforms. In late 2023, the company unveiled its first two projects: *A BETTER PARADISE*, an audio fiction series, and *AMERICAN CAPER*, a graphic novel. This new path allows Houser to create entirely new IP, free from the immense weight and expectations of the franchises he helped build. His recent reflections serve not only as a look back at his incredible legacy but also as a bridge to a future where he can once again build worlds from the ground up. For fans, his insights provide valuable closure on a long-standing mystery and a fascinating perspective on the creative evolution of one of gaming's most important studios.