Diablo 5 Timing: Blizzard's Fergusson on Diablo 4's Longevity

At the DICE Summit 2025, Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo series, kicked off his presentation with a candid reflection on one of the franchise's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This error, which surfaced at the launch of Diablo 3, left countless players unable to log in due to overwhelming server demand. The incident not only fueled widespread criticism but also became a meme, highlighting Blizzard's initial struggles with the game's launch. Despite this rocky start, Blizzard managed to rectify the issue, eventually steering Diablo 3 towards success through dedicated effort and updates.

The specter of Error 37 has since loomed large over Blizzard, with Fergusson and his team determined to prevent any similar mishaps, especially as Diablo evolves into a more intricate live service model. With Diablo 4, the series has fully embraced this model, featuring regular updates, ongoing seasons, and planned expansions. The stakes are high; another server meltdown like Error 37 could be disastrous, potentially undermining Diablo 4's ambition to become a lasting live service juggernaut.

Diablo, Immortal

During my conversation with Fergusson at the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, following his talk "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," he outlined four key strategies for maintaining the resilience of Diablo 4: scaling the game effectively, ensuring a steady flow of content, being flexible with design purity, and keeping players informed about future updates, even at the cost of some surprise.

Fergusson emphasized the importance of player retention, describing detailed content roadmaps and season planning that mark a significant shift from the traditional approach of the Diablo series. Unlike its predecessors, Diablo 4 is poised to follow the trend of major AAA titles that remain active and evolve over extended periods, rather than relying on new numbered releases every few years.

When asked about the future of Diablo 4—whether it aims to be eternal or immortal—Fergusson expressed a vision for longevity, though not necessarily permanence. "We want it to be around for years," he stated, drawing a contrast with Destiny's initial ten-year plan. Fergusson's goal is to ensure that players feel their time investment is respected, with a clear roadmap ahead.

Fergusson joined Blizzard in 2020, bringing his experience from leading the Gears franchise. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Diablo 4's aggressive update schedule. However, he acknowledges the challenges of long-term planning, especially after announcing that Diablo 4's second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, would not arrive until 2026. Originally planned for a yearly release, the timeline was extended due to the need to shift resources to immediate updates and the first season. Fergusson is cautious about setting rigid timelines, preferring to provide players with a comfortable lead time before the next expansion.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Transparency is a cornerstone of Fergusson's strategy. The team plans to unveil a content roadmap in April and continue using the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to experience upcoming patches before they go live. Initially, there were reservations about spoiling surprises, but Fergusson has come to see the value in this approach. "You just realize that it's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season," he explained during his talk.

Fergusson also shared the challenges of expanding the PTR to consoles, currently limited to PC due to certification issues. However, with support from parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working to overcome these hurdles. The inclusion of Diablo 4 on Game Pass is another strategic move to broaden the game's reach, akin to its release on Steam alongside Battle.net. This approach aims to lower entry barriers, similar to the free-to-play model of Diablo Immortal, and attract a steady influx of new players.

All Hours Diablo

In our concluding discussion, I inquired about Fergusson's recent gaming experiences, particularly in light of comparisons between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2. He dismissed these comparisons, noting the distinct differences between the games. Yet, he is mindful of catering to players who enjoy both titles, suggesting that Blizzard will consider timing its seasons to allow players to enjoy both games without overlap.

Fergusson's personal gaming habits reveal his deep connection to Diablo. He listed his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24 in third, Destiny 2 in second, and unsurprisingly, Diablo 4 in first. With 650 hours logged on his home retail account alone, Fergusson's dedication to the game is clear. He currently enjoys playing Companion Druid and Dance of Knives Rogue, highlighting his passion for the game that initially drew him to Blizzard.

His commitment to Diablo is driven by a personal habit of engaging with live service games, balancing his professional responsibilities with his love for playing Diablo at home. This blend of personal passion and professional dedication underscores Fergusson's vision for Diablo 4 as a game that not only evolves but endures, inviting players to invest their time and enjoy the journey for years to come.