In a strange turn of events, a GTA 5 database file has purportedly leaked revealing intriguing insights regarding abandoned plans within the game. The file, which contains debug and project state information, has become a playground for fans eager to explore the ruins of failed projects. The actual age of the leaked database file is unknown at this time.
Twitter user @billsyliamgta raised notice to a text string within the file that mentions Bully 2, as well as Grand Theft Auto 4, Midnight Club Los Angeles, and Red Dead Redemption 2. Within the same database, there is a prominent reference of Trevor with a jetpack, implying that a story DLC for the game was planned but ultimately abandoned, with components repurposed for GTA Online missions, most notably the Doomsday Heist scenario.
In addition, @GlowDevs pointed up many references to 'CNC,' indicating the existence of a planned Cops 'n' Crooks mode. While this mode was never officially verified, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier claimed last year that it was in the works, with players divided into police officers and criminals. However, the plans were apparently "quietly shelved" in the aftermath of George Floyd's death by a police officer in 2020.
Back in 2019, we reported on the status of Bully 2 revealing that Rockstar New England had been working on the project, but development eventually stopped after about 18 months. According to sources, the studio spent over a year on the successor to the 2006 fan favourite Bully, even completing a playable prototype with basic open-world gameplay in the early 2010s.
Surprisingly, Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser and a small group of trusted designers began writing a script for Bully 2 in 2008. The script featured the first few scenes as well as an overarching plot structure. Despite these behind-the-scenes efforts, no official announcement for a Bully sequel has been made, leaving fans to speculate about the unfathomable possibilities that were once on the table.