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, opened his keynote not with tales of triumph, but with a candid discussion about one of the franchise's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This error, which plagued the launch of Diablo 3, barred countless players from accessing the game due to overwhelming server demand. The issue sparked widespread criticism and even became a meme within the gaming community. Blizzard eventually resolved the problem, and Diablo 3 went on to become a success, but the experience left a lasting impact on the team's approach to game launches and live services.

With Diablo 4, Blizzard has embraced the live service model more than ever before, aiming to avoid any repeat of the Error 37 debacle. The game is designed to evolve continuously through frequent updates, ongoing seasons, and major expansions. Fergusson emphasized the importance of resilience in building a live-service game, highlighting four key components: scaling the game effectively, maintaining a steady flow of content, being flexible with design purity, and keeping players informed about future updates, even if it means sacrificing some surprises.

Diablo, Immortal

During the summit in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to speak with Fergusson after his talk titled "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV." He stressed the team's commitment to keeping players engaged over the long term, contrasting the approach with previous Diablo titles. The focus on a live service model means Diablo 4 is set to be a long-lasting game, with content roadmaps and seasons planned well in advance.

When asked about the future of Diablo 4, Fergusson expressed a desire for the game to remain relevant for years, though he stopped short of calling it eternal. He referenced Destiny's initial ten-year plan, noting that while Diablo 4 aims for longevity, the team is cautious about making long-term promises. The gap between Diablo 2 and 3, and then 3 and 4, was over a decade each, but Diablo 4's update cadence is much more aggressive. Fergusson, who joined Blizzard in 2020 after leading the Gears franchise, is focused on planning ahead without overcommitting.

Fergusson also shared insights into the development of Diablo 4's second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which is now scheduled for 2026. Originally planned for a yearly release, the timeline was extended due to the need to prioritize immediate updates and the first season's launch. Fergusson is cautious about setting firm timelines for future expansions, preferring to wait until the team is confident in their plans before making public announcements.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Transparency is a key aspect of Diablo 4's live service approach. Fergusson discussed the use of content roadmaps and the Public Test Realm (PTR), where players can test upcoming patches before they go live. Initially, the team was hesitant about spoiling surprises, but Fergusson believes it's better to "ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season." He acknowledges that while data mining and leaks can occur, the impact is minimal compared to the overall player base.

One of the challenges Fergusson mentioned is expanding the PTR to console players, currently limited to PC due to certification issues. However, with the support of parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working to overcome these challenges. Fergusson also highlighted the benefits of Diablo 4's presence on Game Pass, which helps attract a broader audience by removing the barrier of entry that comes with purchasing the game outright.

All Hours Diablo

In our conversation, I asked Fergusson about his recent gaming experiences and whether he had played Path of Exile 2, given the comparisons to Diablo 4. He emphasized that the two games are fundamentally different but acknowledged the need to consider players who enjoy both titles. He noted that many players prefer not to have overlapping seasons, allowing them to enjoy each game without having to choose between them.

Fergusson shared his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24 in third, Destiny 2 in second, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4 in first. He has logged 650 hours on his home retail account alone, not including work time. Currently, he's playing as a Companion Druid and has recently started a Dance of Knives Rogue. His passion for Diablo is evident, as he continues to play the game extensively even outside of work, driven by the habit and enjoyment it brings him.