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Donald Mustard
Donald Mustard
Donald Mustard
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Donald Mustard (born 1976) is an American video game designer, creative director, producer and writer. He is a partner at AGBO, the former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games, and the co-founder of Chair Entertainment.[1][2] He is best known as the co-creator of Fortnite and the creative director behind Shadow Complex and the Infinity Blade trilogy.[3][4][5]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Mustard grew up in Houston, Texas.[6] With the intention of becoming a filmmaker, he attended Brigham Young University and graduated in 2000 with a BFA in film. As a college student, Mustard produced several short films, including Gestures, which mixed computer graphics and live action. This led to freelance work at visual effects studios such as Industrial Light & Magic, Rhythm & Hues Studios and Digital Domain.[7]

Career

[edit]

After college, Mustard joined computer graphics studio GlyphX along with his brother Geremy, where he created video game cutscenes for publishers such as Eidos Interactive, Activision and Sony. While there, Mustard wrote a story that he decided would fit a video game better than a film, and convinced GlyphX to produce it. The action-adventure game, Advent Rising, was released in 2005 for Xbox and PC.[7]

In May 2005, just prior to the release of the game, Mustard left GlyphX and founded Chair Entertainment along with his brother and Ryan Holmes, and hired several of the developers of Advent Rising. Mustard served as the creative director for the company's first game, Undertow, released in 2007. The following year, Epic Games purchased Chair. Mustard stayed on as creative director, leading the development of the platform-adventure game Shadow Complex (2009), and the Infinity Blade trilogy of mobile action role-playing games. (2010–2013).[8][9] At the "Apple Special Event" in September 2010, he joined Steve Jobs on stage to demonstrate Infinity Blade (then known as "Project Sword"), which was released two months later.[10] In November 2015, he and filmmaker J. J. Abrams announced a collaboration between Chair and Bad Robot to create a new game called Spyjinx, though it was never released.[11][12]

In 2016, Mustard became the Worldwide Creative Director at Epic, which launched Fortnite Battle Royale the following year, in turn causing the overall Fortnite game and game platform to become one of the most widely played in the world.[8][9] Mustard, who was the creative director for that version of the Fortnite and "Loremaster" for the overall project,[13][9] incorporated characters from media franchises, including Star Wars and Marvel.[14] He also led work on building live events in the game[3] and co-wrote the Fortnite comics from Marvel and DC together with Christos Gage.[15] In December 2020, he was promoted to Chief Creative Officer.[16]

In September 2023, Mustard stepped down from his position at Epic.[1] Later that year, he became a partner at AGBO, an independent entertainment company.[3][13][17] Mustard had met filmmaker and AGBO co-founder Joe Russo in 2018, when they had collaborated on bringing Marvel villain Thanos to Fortnite and later became good friends.[3]

Mustard has made cameo appearances in movies such as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, The Matrix Resurrections and Avengers: Endgame.[14]

He accepted awards on behalf of Fortnite at The Game Awards 2018 and The Game Awards 2019, and was a presenter at The Game Awards 2021.[18][19][20] He also accepted Fortnite's award for Online Game of the Year at the 22nd Annual D.I.C.E. Awards in 2019.[21]

Personal life

[edit]

Mustard currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is married to entertainment publicist and former Chair partner, Laura Mustard.[11][22]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Donald Mustard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Donald Mustard is a video game designer, creative director, producer, and writer known for co-founding Chair Entertainment and serving as Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games, where he played a central role in the creative direction of Fortnite and its evolution into a global phenomenon. He co-founded Chair Entertainment, which developed titles including Undertow, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade series; the studio was acquired by Epic Games in 2008, after which Mustard joined Epic and eventually became its Chief Creative Officer. Under his leadership, Epic pursued ambitious cross-media initiatives, such as the Batman/Fortnite comic collaborations that expanded the game's universe. After nearly 25 years in the industry, Mustard retired from his role at Epic Games in September 2023, citing an incredible adventure and collaborations with talented teams. He subsequently joined AGBO as a Partner in November 2023. His work has left a lasting impact on interactive entertainment through innovative game design and cultural crossovers.

Early life and education

Childhood and background

Donald Mustard was born on August 15, 1976, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in Houston, Texas, where he developed an early interest in games, storytelling, and interactive media. His brother Geremy Mustard later collaborated with him professionally in their early career ventures. His formative years in Houston exposed him to various cultural and entertainment influences that shaped his creative inclinations prior to pursuing higher education.

Education and early film aspirations

Donald Mustard attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film in 2000. During his time at the university, he produced short films as a student, including Gestures, which combined live-action footage with computer-generated graphics to create innovative visual storytelling. Mustard initially aspired to a career in filmmaking, focusing on narrative and visual production during his studies. After graduation, he worked as a freelance visual effects artist for major studios including Industrial Light & Magic, Rhythm & Hues Studios, and Digital Domain, gaining experience in high-end digital effects for film projects. These early experiences in film production and visual effects shaped his technical skills and creative approach before he later transitioned toward interactive media.

Career in video games

Early work and founding Chair Entertainment

Donald Mustard transitioned into video game development by joining GlyphX Games, where he collaborated with his brother Geremy Mustard on creating cinematics and other elements for various projects. An original story he developed, initially intended as a film script, was adapted into the action-adventure game Advent Rising, released in 2005, for which Mustard served as director. In May 2005, Mustard left GlyphX to co-found Chair Entertainment with Geremy Mustard and Ryan Holmes. The new studio, based in Salt Lake City, brought on several developers who had worked on Advent Rising to form its core team. Advent Rising's release in 2005 represented one of the Mustard brothers' first major efforts in the industry prior to Chair's formation.

Leadership at Chair Entertainment

Donald Mustard co-founded Chair Entertainment in 2005 and served as its creative director through 2016. He established the studio alongside his brother Geremy Mustard and CEO Ryan Holmes, focusing on original game properties developed with Unreal Engine technology. In May 2008, Epic Games acquired Chair Entertainment, making it a wholly owned subsidiary while allowing the studio to retain its name and emphasis on innovative titles. Mustard continued leading Chair as creative director after the acquisition. Under Mustard's leadership, Chair released Undertow in 2007, an Xbox Live Arcade underwater action shooter that earned recognition as Xbox Live Arcade Game of the Year from Official Xbox Magazine. Mustard served as creative director on Shadow Complex, a Metroidvania-style adventure title released in 2009. He directed and wrote the Infinity Blade trilogy for iOS devices, comprising Infinity Blade (2010), Infinity Blade II (2011), and Infinity Blade III (2013), which showcased high-fidelity graphics and touch-based combat mechanics powered by Unreal Engine. On September 1, 2010, Mustard presented the original Infinity Blade onstage at an Apple special event alongside Steve Jobs. In 2015, Chair announced a collaboration with J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot on Spyjinx, an action-strategy game project, though it ultimately remained unproduced. Mustard's tenure at Chair emphasized stylized gameplay, technical innovation on emerging platforms, and original intellectual properties.

Transition to Epic Games

Following the acquisition of Chair Entertainment by Epic Games in May 2008, Donald Mustard integrated into Epic as part of the deal that made Chair a wholly owned subsidiary while preserving its name and focus on original properties using Unreal Engine. He continued creative oversight of Chair's prior and ongoing titles under the Epic umbrella, including the 2009 release of Shadow Complex and the Infinity Blade series. In 2016, Mustard was appointed Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games (having been referred to in some contexts as Worldwide Creative Director around that time), in which he oversaw the company's entire game portfolio, collaborated with teams to clarify visions for projects, and ensured alignment with Epic's holistic strategy amid its shift toward multiple live-service titles.

Creative leadership on Fortnite

Donald Mustard provided creative leadership for Fortnite following Epic Games' acquisition of Chair Entertainment, serving as the project's chief creative officer and guiding its overall artistic and narrative direction. He was instrumental in shaping Fortnite Battle Royale, credited as its director and writer upon the mode's launch in 2017, contributing to its rapid establishment as a dominant battle royale experience. Mustard also held director and writer credits on the original Fortnite (2017) and served as writer for Fortnite: Chapter 2 (2019), influencing the game's evolving structure and storytelling across major updates. As Fortnite's lead creative figure, he oversaw the integration of high-profile franchise crossovers, enabling collaborations with Marvel and Star Wars properties alongside other guest appearances that broadened the game's cultural impact. His narrative contributions extended beyond the game into cross-media formats, where he co-wrote the Fortnite X Marvel: Zero War limited comic series with Christos Gage, published by Marvel Comics in 2022, and designed variant covers for the debut issue. Mustard collaborated with Gage on additional Fortnite comic projects published by Marvel and DC, further expanding the game's lore and universe through print media. Mustard retired from his role as Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games in September 2023.

Departure from Epic and current role

Stepping down from Epic Games

Donald Mustard retired from Epic Games in September 2023 after announcing his departure from the role of Chief Creative Officer, which he had held since December 2020. He shared the news on social media in early September, describing his tenure as "an incredible adventure" and expressing gratitude for nearly 25 years in the industry. Mustard highlighted his pride in collaborating with talented teams and particularly in helping create and shape Fortnite, noting that his direct work on the game had concluded prior to his exit. He stated that he looked forward to engaging with Fortnite as a player and affirmed confidence in the ongoing teams, describing them as being in "the best hands" to pursue future projects. His retirement marked the end of a significant creative leadership period at Epic, where he had contributed to the company's evolution in live-service games.

Partnership at AGBO

Donald Mustard became a partner at AGBO in November 2023. AGBO is a film, television, and entertainment production company founded by Anthony and Joe Russo, the directors behind multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films including Avengers: Endgame. This partnership builds upon Mustard’s earlier collaboration with the Russo brothers through the Fortnite and Marvel crossover event tied to Avengers: Endgame. As of the latest verified information, no projects have been released under his partnership at AGBO.

Film and television involvement

On-screen appearances

Donald Mustard has made limited but notable on-screen appearances, primarily in cameo roles in major films and voice work in video games tied to his career at Epic Games. He provided the voice for The Visitor in the video game Fortnite: Chapter 2 (2019). Mustard appeared as an uncredited Kamar-Taj Sorcerer in Avengers: Endgame (2019). He later portrayed Deus Machina Employee #2 in The Matrix Resurrections (2021). These film cameos often aligned with Fortnite crossover events featuring those franchises. Mustard has also appeared as himself at industry events, serving as a presenter at The Game Awards 2021 and participating in DC FanDome 2021.

Additional crew and cross-media collaborations

Donald Mustard provided additional voices for the film Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). In 2015, Mustard collaborated with filmmaker J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot on the video game project Spyjinx, serving as co-director alongside Abrams for a title that blended action strategy gameplay, dynamic world building, and RPG character development, though the project was never released. Through his work at Epic Games, Mustard contributed to cross-media collaborations in Fortnite, including integrations with Marvel tied to Avengers: Endgame and with Star Wars. In 2019, Mustard and J.J. Abrams announced an exclusive Star Wars live event in Fortnite, which included in-game elements such as a free TIE Whisper Glider rewarded to players.

Personal life

References

  1. https://www.dicesummit.org/dice_speakers/details.asp?idSpeaker=511
  2. https://www.ign.com/articles/donald-mustard-one-of-fortnites-chief-architects-is-retiring-from-epic-games
  3. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/donald-mustard-to-retire-from-epic-games
  4. https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/news/universes-collide-batman-fortnite-zero-point-new-limited-edition-comic-book-series-arrives-april-20
  5. https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-mustard
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2014266/
  7. https://mabumbe.com/people/donald-mustard-age-net-worth-family-biography/
  8. https://theswissbay.ch/pdf/Gentoomen%20Library/Game%20Development/Game%20Developer%20-%20Game%20Career%20Guide%20Fall%202008.pdf
  9. https://www.gamefile.news/p/donald-mustard-fortnite-agbo-shadow-complex
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475216/
  11. https://www.engadget.com/2008-05-20-epic-games-takes-seat-acquires-chair-entertainment.html
  12. https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/ryan-holmes/
  13. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/30/chair-entertainment-uncut
  14. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-boss-and-industry-veteran-donald-mustard-leaves-epic/1100-6517584/
  15. https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/job-news/74029/donald-mustard-is-leaving-epic-games/
  16. https://www.trueachievements.com/n54975/fortnite-creative-director-retires-from-epic-games
  17. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/epic-acquires-chair-entertainment
  18. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infinity-blade-completed-in-five-months/1100-6301472/
  19. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/13/exclusive-infinity-blade-fx-interview
  20. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/infinity-blade-amazed-steve-jobs-should-be-out-very-soon/
  21. https://www.polygon.com/2015/11/11/9713762/j-j-abrams-chair-entertainment-spyjinx
  22. https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/28/14754868/epic-games-release-update/
  23. https://www.engadget.com/fortnite-creative-lead-donald-mustard-is-retiring-from-epic-games-185543919.html
  24. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/fortnite-x-marvel-zero-war-1-variant-cover-donald-mustard-epic-games
  25. https://80.lv/articles/chief-creative-officer-donald-mustard-leaves-epic-games
  26. https://deadline.com/2023/11/donald-mustard-agbo-partner-fortnite-creator-1235613059/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10838180/fullcredits/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16389198/fullcredits/
  29. https://www.ign.com/articles/dc-fandome-2021-huge-talent-lineup-revealed-show-teasers
  30. https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Donald_Mustard
  31. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Donald-Mustard/
  32. https://www.polygon.com/2015/11/11/9713762/j-j-abrams-chair-entertainment-spyjinx/
  33. https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/11/star-wars-director-jj-abrams-infinity-blade-dev-announce-spyjinx
  34. https://www.gamesradar.com/fortnite-exclusive-avengers-endgame-directors-jj-abrams/
  35. https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Fortnite_X_Star_Wars
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