Bully Online Closed at the Request of Take-Two?

Following its initial reveal and the subsequent early access rollout late last year, Bully Online—an ambitious fan-made multiplayer mod—has officially ceased development. The project’s lifespan lasted only a month, fulfilling the community’s grim predictions regarding its longevity under the watchful eye of rights holders.

The shutdown was widely anticipated, primarily because the developers implemented a paid subscription model, providing Take-Two with clear grounds for a DMCA claim. SWEGTA, the project’s figurehead, noted that the publisher did not cite a specific violation but rather issued a comprehensive list of requirements for fan modifications to remain compliant. He contended that Bully Online could not have survived even as a free release, though the specific details of Take-Two’s demands remain private as the correspondence has not been made public.

The team has also firmly denied allegations that the project was a financial ruse, maintaining that all funds collected from the player base have been fully refunded.