By Dan Houser, the co-creator of Rockstar Games and the chief writer of virtually every Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption 2, has clarified the reasons why the studio never proceeded with a follow-up to its cult classic boarding school simulation.
Released in 2006, Bully swiftly achieved cult acclaim by transforming GTA’s expansive world enjoyment into a foul-mouthed, mischievous boarding school environment where you create chaos and strive to attend mini-game-centric classes punctually. Even with its substantial fanbase, Bully never evolved into a comprehensive series akin to the studio’s other successful franchises.
Dan Houser has now disclosed that it was due to “bandwidth limitations,” discussing this with IGN at LA Comic Con. “I think it was merely bandwidth limitations,” Houser stated (thank you, Eurogamer). “You know, if you’ve got a small leading creative unit and a limited senior management group, you simply cannot tackle all the projects you desire.”
However, at his new multimedia studio, Absurd Ventures, he’s approaching things somewhat differently. “And you know, at Absurd [Ventures], our structure allows us to manage two projects with a relatively small team, and it’s genuinely about contemplating that. How can we achieve that and keep them both progressing?”
Absurd Ventures has already unveiled an early-stage open-world game, while also initiating several new multimedia franchises, and collaborating with veterans from Immortals of Aveum on another endeavor.