Donald Mustard shaped Fortnite into the game millions enjoy today.
It’s the end of an era as Epic Games’ Chief Creative Office — Donald Mustard — has announced his retirement from the role. Mustard joined Epic Games in June 2016–one year before Fortnite arrived and took over the gaming world.
He spent seven years and three months working under Epic Games. Mustard’s influence and excitement while working on Fortnite echoed through his cryptic tweets and teasers before a new season’s launch.
Donald Mustard has retired from Epic Games
The former Epic Games CCO took to X with a heartfelt announcement regarding his retirement.
“I have enjoyed nearly 25 years in the game industry collaborating with some of the most talented people ever and I am so proud of what we have made together. From the ambitious Advent Rising, to the start of ChAIR where we created Undertow, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade trilogy, to the honor of our tiny team becoming part of Epic, each new chapter allowed me to accomplish something new and original. I am especially proud of the opportunity I’ve had to help create and shape Fortnite.
I am humbled to have been a part of the team that every day tries to bring ‘joy and delight’ to the Fortnite community! We love watching you experience every moment - leaping from the Battle Bus for the very first time, seeing the rocket crack open the sky, dancing with friends after a Victory Royale, being sucked into a black hole or being washed out to sea as The Island flipped over - and on and on! I can’t wait to now share in the future of Fortnite as a player alongside all of you! The teams are in the best hands and they are working on huge, jaw dropping, amazing things!!!”
Mustard rounded out his statement, saying he is excited to spend time with his family while thanking Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney.
What does this mean for the future of Fortnite?
By all accounts, this change is massive as it relates to Fortnite’s future. Donald Mustard was the driving force behind concepts, themes, items, plot details, and more since the game’s inaugural season.
These shoes could be pretty challenging to fill, but Mustard likely informed Epic Games ahead of time. The complete team presumably had plenty of time to plan future seasons before handing the reins to another creative mind.
Regardless of how some fans might feel about Donald Mustard, he helped shape one of the most popular games in history. True fans will not soon forget the effort and time that went into crafting each of Fortnite’s items, weapons, themes, and locations.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more Fortnite and esports news!