Donald Mustard
Image: Push Square

Epic Games’ Chief Creative Officer and one of the leading forces behind Fortnite’s monumental success is stepping down. Donald Mustard confirmed on Twitter earlier today that he’ll be “retiring” from his role later this month. It doesn’t sound like there’s any drama here, as he mentions he’s looking forward to spending time with his wife and family and remains “forever grateful to [founder] Tim Sweeney and the Epic Games family”.

Mustard founded Chair Entertainment in 2005, which went on to enjoy enormous success with the downloadable Metroidvania game Shadow Complex and the mobile-based Infinity Blade trilogy. It was eventually acquired by Epic Games, where Mustard moved up the ranks to be a pivotal figure in Fortnite’s world-changing success.

“I am humbled to have been a part of the team that every day tries to bring ‘joy and delight’ to the Fortnite community,” he wrote. “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!”

Mustard went on to tease that “huge, jaw-dropping, amazing things” await in the Battle Royale – although given he probably played a part in shaping them, he wasn’t ever going to say anything else, was he? Nevertheless, Mustard’s absence will be felt – although we daresay he’s earned more than enough money over the past five or so years to set him up for life. Enjoy your retirement, Don!

[source twitter.com]