Donald Mustard, the former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games, sought to elevate Fortnite beyond a mere battle royale by weaving a rich narrative into the gameplay.

Under Mustard's guidance, Fortnite evolved into a platform for creative storytelling and experimentation, featuring live events and environmental storytelling that captivated players.

Innovative storytelling techniques were employed, including significant events like the comet crash and the mech-versus-monster battle, which conveyed narratives through gameplay rather than traditional dialogue.

Epic Games adopted a collaborative approach to storytelling, integrating player reactions and theories into the game, such as in-game signs that hinted at potential destruction based on community speculation.

Mustard compared their storytelling approach to a campfire story, emphasizing the importance of adapting narratives based on audience engagement and reactions.

The company continues to explore new storytelling methods, including cross-media projects like comic series, positioning Fortnite as a potential model for the future of entertainment.

Rather than focusing on a traditional main character, Fortnite's narrative is centered around the island itself, with environmental changes and events acting as key narrative drivers.

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has successfully layered narrative elements, allowing players to engage with a world rich in evolving lore, moving beyond a sole focus on combat.

Mustard emphasized that all great entertainment requires a story, which has become a foundational principle guiding Fortnite's ongoing development.