When's the Right Time for Diablo 5? Blizzard's Rod Fergusson Wants Diablo 4 'To Be Around for Years... I Don't Know if It's Eternal'

At the DICE Summit 2025, Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo series, opened his keynote by addressing one of the franchise's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This error, which famously plagued the launch of Diablo 3, left countless players unable to log in due to server overload. The incident sparked significant backlash and even became a meme within the gaming community. Despite the rocky start, Blizzard managed to resolve the issue, and Diablo 3 eventually thrived. However, the experience has left a lasting impact on Blizzard's approach to game launches, particularly as they navigate the complexities of transforming Diablo into a more dynamic live service model with frequent updates, ongoing seasons, and regular expansions. The specter of another Error 37 looms large, as the success of Diablo 4's live service model hinges on avoiding such catastrophic failures.

Diablo, Immortal

During my conversation with Rod Fergusson at the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, following his presentation titled "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," he emphasized four key strategies for ensuring the longevity and resilience of Diablo 4: scaling the game effectively, maintaining a steady flow of content, embracing flexibility in design, and communicating upcoming updates to keep players informed. Fergusson's vision for Diablo 4 is clear: to keep players engaged over the long term through a robust live service model that contrasts sharply with the more sporadic updates of previous Diablo titles.

When asked about the future of Diablo 4 and whether it could be considered "immortal," Fergusson expressed a desire for the game to endure for many years, though he stopped short of declaring it eternal. He drew comparisons to other long-term live service games like Destiny, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining player interest and investment over extended periods. Fergusson highlighted the importance of respecting players' time and commitment, ensuring that Diablo 4 remains a rewarding experience for those who invest hundreds of hours into the game.

Fergusson also shared insights into the development timeline for Diablo 4's expansions. He noted that the second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, was delayed to 2026 due to the need to allocate resources to immediate updates following the game's launch and the rollout of its first season. This experience has taught him the value of caution in setting public expectations, opting instead for a more flexible approach to planning future content.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Transparency is a cornerstone of Fergusson's strategy for Diablo 4. He discussed the use of a Public Test Realm (PTR) and content roadmaps, acknowledging initial hesitations about spoiling surprises for players. However, he has come to believe that it's better to "ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season." This approach allows for testing and refining new features before they go live, minimizing the risk of major issues that could alienate the broader player base.

Fergusson also expressed interest in expanding the PTR to console players, acknowledging the current limitation to PC users due to certification challenges. He sees potential in leveraging the support of parent company Xbox to overcome these hurdles, emphasizing the importance of reaching as many players as possible through platforms like Game Pass and Steam.

All Hours Diablo

In our final discussion, I asked Fergusson about his personal gaming habits and whether he had played Path of Exile 2, a game often compared to Diablo 4. He dismissed the comparison, noting the distinct differences between the two titles. However, he acknowledged the feedback from players who enjoy both games, expressing a commitment to scheduling Diablo 4's seasons to complement rather than compete with other games.

Fergusson revealed his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24, Destiny 2, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4. His dedication to Diablo is evident, with over 650 hours logged on his personal account alone. Currently, he's playing as a Companion Druid and has recently started a Dance of Knives Rogue, underscoring his deep love for the game that brought him to Blizzard in the first place. Despite his busy schedule, Fergusson's passion for Diablo remains undiminished, driving his vision for its future as a premier live service game.