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

Rod Fergusson, Diablo general manager, kicked off his DICE Summit 2025 presentation not with a victory lap, but by addressing one of Diablo's most infamous setbacks: Error 37. This launch-day debacle for Diablo 3, caused by an overwhelming influx of players, resulted in widespread criticism and became a memorable meme. While Diablo 3 ultimately triumphed, the experience underscored the importance of avoiding similar catastrophes, especially given Diablo's evolution into a complex live service game with frequent updates, seasons, and expansions.

The stakes are undeniably higher for Diablo 4, which has fully embraced the live service model. Another Error 37 would be disastrous, jeopardizing the long-term viability Blizzard envisions for the game. At DICE Summit 2025, I spoke with Fergusson following his presentation, "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," where he outlined four key pillars for Diablo 4's success: scalability, consistent content delivery, design flexibility, and proactive player communication.

Fergusson emphasized the commitment to keeping players engaged for the long haul. The detailed content roadmaps and extensive season planning represent a significant departure from previous Diablo titles. Diablo 4's live service approach aims for sustained longevity, unlike the traditional model of releasing numbered sequels every few years.

This led to my question: Is Diablo 4's lifespan truly "immortal," or is there a point where Blizzard will move on to Diablo 5? Fergusson's response suggested a long-term commitment, but not necessarily an eternal one. He emphasized the importance of respecting players' time investment by providing a clear roadmap and consistent updates, aiming for a sustained presence over many years. He pointed out the significant time gaps between previous Diablo releases, highlighting the difference in update frequency and his own influence on Diablo 4’s development.

Fergusson also revealed that Diablo 4's second expansion, originally slated for 2025, has been pushed back to 2026 due to shifting priorities towards addressing immediate live game needs and the first season's launch. While this extended the gap between the game's launch and the expansion to 18 months instead of the planned 12, he cautioned against setting firm timelines for future expansions, having learned from previous experience.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Fergusson's cautious approach is particularly relevant given Blizzard's commitment to unprecedented transparency. This includes the upcoming content roadmap (to be revealed in April) and the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to test upcoming patches before their official release. Initially hesitant about potentially spoiling surprises, Fergusson now views the PTR and roadmaps as crucial for ensuring a positive player experience. He prioritizes a successful season for millions of players over maintaining surprise for a smaller group on the PTR.

Expanding PTR access to consoles is a current goal, hampered by certification challenges and the complexities of console development. However, with Xbox's support, Blizzard is actively working towards this expansion. Fergusson also highlighted the positive impact of Diablo 4's presence on Game Pass, significantly lowering the barrier to entry and attracting a consistent stream of new players.

All Hours Diablo

Our conversation concluded with a discussion of Fergusson's personal gaming habits. He revealed his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24 (third), Destiny 2 (second), and Diablo 4 (first, with over 650 hours on his personal account alone). This personal investment underscores his passion for the game and informs his approach to its development. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing multiple game releases and player expectations, but emphasizes his desire to create a game that players can enjoy for years to come.

He also discussed the differences between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, emphasizing their distinct gameplay experiences, while acknowledging player preferences for diverse seasonal content. His dedication to Diablo 4, both professionally and personally, reflects a deep understanding of the game and a commitment to its long-term success.