Fortnite Creative Lead Donald Mustard Retires from Epic Games
Donald Mustard, Creative Director of Epic Games, is stepping down. The industry veteran, who helped guide Fortnite to immense popularity, announced that he will retire at the end of September. "I've spent nearly 25 years in the games industry collaborating with some of the most talented people of all time and I'm very proud of what we've achieved together," the 47-year-old wrote. years on X (formerly Twitter).
Mustard co-founded ChAIR Entertainment in 2005 with his brother Geremy Mustard, Ryan Holmes and others. The developer released the underwater shooter Undertow on Xbox Live Arcade in 2007 and the Metroidvania title Shadow Complex two years later. Epic purchased ChAIR Entertainment in 2008, and the studio quickly unveiled Infinity Blade, a trilogy of iOS games showcasing the growing graphical prowess of Apple's early mobile devices, using simple gameplay from dodging and attacking reminiscent of the NES. Classic Punch-Out!!
He was promoted to global creative director of Epic in 2016. Fortnite launched the following year and quickly became one of the biggest gaming success stories of the 21st century. The title's Battle Royale mode turned it into a cultural phenomenon, as it appeared on almost every platform, including PC, consoles, and mobile. Fortnite surpassed 350 million registered players in 2020 and remains one of the most ubiquitous games today (especially among younger players) while spawning countless imitators.
"Fortnite will never be 'finished,'" the creative director tweeted last December. "The idea is that it's a living, breathing PLACE."
Even though Mustard didn't detail why he retired now, his X post praised his years with ChAIR and Epic. "From the ambitious Advent Rising to the start of ChAIR where we created Undertow, Shadow Complex and the Infinity Blade trilogy, in honor of our small team as part of Epic, each new chapter has allowed me to accomplish something new and original," he posted on had to help create and shape Fortnite."
"I'm honored to be part of the team that tries to bring 'joy and fun' to the Fortnite community every day!" Mustard continued. “We love watching you experience every moment: jumping off the Battle Bus for the very first time, seeing the rocket open the sky, dancing with friends after a Victory Royale, being sucked into a black hole or being swept out to sea as The The island turned over – and so on! I can't wait to share the future of Fortnite as a player alongside you! The teams are in good hands and they are working on huge, breathtaking and incredible things!!! »
Mustard added that he plans to spend more time at home for now. “I'm excited to spend time with my wife and family and will be forever grateful to @TimSweeneyEpic and the Epic Games family,” the outgoing creative director wrote.
Donald Mustard, Creative Director of Epic Games, is stepping down. The industry veteran, who helped guide Fortnite to immense popularity, announced that he will retire at the end of September. "I've spent nearly 25 years in the games industry collaborating with some of the most talented people of all time and I'm very proud of what we've achieved together," the 47-year-old wrote. years on X (formerly Twitter).
Mustard co-founded ChAIR Entertainment in 2005 with his brother Geremy Mustard, Ryan Holmes and others. The developer released the underwater shooter Undertow on Xbox Live Arcade in 2007 and the Metroidvania title Shadow Complex two years later. Epic purchased ChAIR Entertainment in 2008, and the studio quickly unveiled Infinity Blade, a trilogy of iOS games showcasing the growing graphical prowess of Apple's early mobile devices, using simple gameplay from dodging and attacking reminiscent of the NES. Classic Punch-Out!!
He was promoted to global creative director of Epic in 2016. Fortnite launched the following year and quickly became one of the biggest gaming success stories of the 21st century. The title's Battle Royale mode turned it into a cultural phenomenon, as it appeared on almost every platform, including PC, consoles, and mobile. Fortnite surpassed 350 million registered players in 2020 and remains one of the most ubiquitous games today (especially among younger players) while spawning countless imitators.
"Fortnite will never be 'finished,'" the creative director tweeted last December. "The idea is that it's a living, breathing PLACE."
Even though Mustard didn't detail why he retired now, his X post praised his years with ChAIR and Epic. "From the ambitious Advent Rising to the start of ChAIR where we created Undertow, Shadow Complex and the Infinity Blade trilogy, in honor of our small team as part of Epic, each new chapter has allowed me to accomplish something new and original," he posted on had to help create and shape Fortnite."
"I'm honored to be part of the team that tries to bring 'joy and fun' to the Fortnite community every day!" Mustard continued. “We love watching you experience every moment: jumping off the Battle Bus for the very first time, seeing the rocket open the sky, dancing with friends after a Victory Royale, being sucked into a black hole or being swept out to sea as The The island turned over – and so on! I can't wait to share the future of Fortnite as a player alongside you! The teams are in good hands and they are working on huge, breathtaking and incredible things!!! »
Mustard added that he plans to spend more time at home for now. “I'm excited to spend time with my wife and family and will be forever grateful to @TimSweeneyEpic and the Epic Games family,” the outgoing creative director wrote.
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