Full Breakdown
Dan Houser Discusses GTA 6 and the Cancellation of Bully 2
9/28/2025, 8:00:39 PM
Dan Houser's First On-Camera Interview
Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, recently participated in his first on-camera interview at LA Comic Con, where he discussed his past work and future projects. Interviewed by IGN's Ryan McCaffrey, Houser reflected on his contributions to the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series and his new ventures at Absurd Ventures, his post-Rockstar studio. This interview marks a significant moment for fans, as Houser has largely remained out of the public eye since his departure from Rockstar in 2020.
Insights on GTA 6
During the interview, Houser addressed the upcoming release of GTA 6, confirming that he did not contribute to its story or character development. “I wrote the last 10 or 11. I think the world’s probably had enough GTA from me,” he stated, expressing confidence in Rockstar's current creative team. He believes that despite his absence, GTA 6 will deliver an exciting narrative, with a release date set for May 26, 2026.
The Cancellation of Bully 2
A significant topic of discussion was the long-speculated cancellation of Bully 2. Houser explained that the project was shelved due to "bandwidth issues" within Rockstar's management. He noted, “If you’ve got a small lead creative team and a small senior leadership crew, you just can’t do all the projects you want.” This statement aligns with previous reports indicating that Bully 2 was in development for about 18 months before being abandoned in favor of larger projects like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption.
Background on Bully's Development
Bully, released in 2006, garnered a passionate fanbase, leading to ongoing interest in a sequel. Despite the game's popularity, Houser's comments clarify that the decision to halt Bully 2 was not due to a lack of interest but rather resource allocation within the studio. Debug files and leaks have suggested that Bully 2 had several hours of playable content before it was ultimately sidelined.
Upcoming Projects at Absurd Ventures
Looking ahead, Houser shared details about his new projects at Absurd Ventures, including "American Caper," which will debut as a graphic novel in November, and "A Better Paradise," described as a dystopian narrative. He emphasized the excitement of working on new intellectual properties, although he acknowledged the challenges of managing multiple projects with a small team.
Official Statements & Responses
Houser's remarks provide clarity on the status of both GTA 6 and Bully 2, confirming that the latter was a real project that simply did not fit into Rockstar's crowded schedule. His insights reflect the pressures faced by creative teams in balancing ambitious projects while maintaining quality.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You know, if you've got a small lead creative team and a small senior leadership crew, you just can't do all the projects you want.” — Dan Houser, Co-founder of Rockstar Games
- “I think the world’s probably had enough GTA from me.” — Dan Houser, Co-founder of Rockstar Games
Conclusion
Dan Houser's recent interview sheds light on the future of Rockstar Games and the reasons behind the cancellation of Bully 2. As fans await the release of GTA 6, Houser's transition to Absurd Ventures signals a new chapter in his career, with fresh narratives on the horizon.
