Epic Video games Chief Artistic Officer Donald Mustard, one of many key architects behind Fortnite’s large success, is retiring this month.
Mustard introduced the information at the moment on social media platform X (previously Twitter), writing that he’s “excited to spend time with my spouse and household and am without end grateful for [Epic Games CEO] @timsweeney and the Epic Video games household.” You possibly can learn his full assertion under.
After an unimaginable journey, I might be retiring from my position as Chief Artistic Officer at Epic this month.
I’ve loved almost 25 years within the sport trade collaborating with a few of the most proficient folks ever and I’m so happy with what we have now made collectively. From the… pic.twitter.com/9KJT9Jg2jr
— Donald Mustard (@DonaldMustard) September 8, 2023
In 2005, Mustard based Salt Lake Metropolis-based studio Chair Leisure, which launched its first sport, Undertow, for Xbox 360’s Dwell Arcade service in 2007.
Chair was acquired by Epic Video games in 2008 and there, Mustard would direct beloved 2009 Metroidvania Shadow Advanced (at the moment’s information could be slightly deflating for these nonetheless holding out hope for the sequel). Chair additionally developed the mobile-based Infinity Blade trilogy for Epic.
It’s arduous to overstate, although, the impression that Mustard would have on Fortnite in overseeing its bold story after changing into Epic’s Chief Artistic Officer in 2016. Beneath Mustard, Fortnite grew to become a popular culture behemoth, discovering methods to weave in characters from the likes of Star Wars, Marvel, Avenue Fighter, God of Battle, John Wick, and a lot extra.
Mustard additionally served because the face for that story, changing into well-known to followers for continuously teasing upcoming developments. He might sometimes be seen in some huge films too, with cameo roles in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, The Matrix Resurrections, and Avengers: Endgame.
In his assertion at the moment, Mustard famous that he “can’t wait to now share in the way forward for Fortnite as a participant alongside all of you,” and added the present workforce is engaged on some “big, jaw dropping, wonderful issues.”
Thumbnail credit score: Kevin Winter/Getty Photographs
Alex Stedman is a Senior Information Editor with IGN, overseeing leisure reporting. When she’s not writing or modifying, you could find her studying fantasy novels or enjoying Dungeons & Dragons.