Bully is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2006. Set in the fictional Bullworth Academy — a New England boarding school — players control Jimmy Hopkins, a rebellious teenager navigating cliques, pranks, and the social hierarchy of school life.
Despite its title, Bully isn’t about glorifying bullying. Jimmy stands up to bullies, protects nerds, and navigates factions ranging from preppies and greasers to jocks and dropouts. The game combines open-world exploration, mini-games (attend class to unlock abilities), and Rockstar’s signature satirical writing.
Why It Matters
Bully became a cult classic and one of the most requested titles for remasters and sequels. Its appeal lies in turning the universal experience of school social dynamics into gameplay — navigating cafeteria politics, sneaking out after curfew, and pulling off elaborate pranks. The game’s humor is unmistakably Rockstar: sharp, cynical, and occasionally tender.
Controversy followed it. Critics tried to ban it for “glorifying school violence” despite the game penalizing players for bullying. In 2021, a definitive remaster (Bully: Scholarship Edition) was added to GTA+ and reintroduced the game to a new generation.
Examples
- “Canis Canem Edit”: The game’s European title, Latin for “Dog Eat Dog.”
- Gary Smith: Jimmy’s antagonist, the true bully of the story.
- Multiplayer: A forgotten gem — the original PS2 version had a two-player mode.
Related Terms
- Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto
- Open-world, sandbox
- Boarding school, clique