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 reflecting on a significant past failure: Error 37. This error, which plagued the launch of Diablo 3, prevented countless players from accessing the game due to overwhelming server demand. The incident not only drew widespread criticism but also became a meme within the gaming community. Despite this rocky start, Blizzard managed to resolve the issue, and Diablo 3 eventually became a success. However, the experience left a lasting impact on Blizzard's approach to game launches and live services.

Fergusson's talk, titled "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," focused on the strategies to prevent similar issues in the future, especially as Diablo evolves into a more complex live service model. Diablo 4, more than its predecessors, has fully embraced this model with frequent updates, ongoing seasons, and planned expansions. The stakes are high; another launch fiasco like Error 37 could be devastating for the game's longevity.

Diablo, Immortal

In a follow-up interview at the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, Fergusson elaborated on his vision for Diablo 4. He emphasized four key components for ensuring the game's resilience: 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.

Fergusson's goal is clear: to keep players engaged over the long term. This approach marks a significant shift from the traditional model of releasing new numbered entries every few years to a more dynamic live service model. When asked about the future of Diablo 4, Fergusson expressed a desire for the game to last for years, though he stopped short of calling it "eternal." He drew a comparison to Destiny, which initially aimed for a ten-year lifespan but adjusted its plans. Fergusson wants players to feel confident that their time invested in Diablo 4 will be respected and rewarded.

The development timeline for Diablo 4's expansions has been a learning curve for the team. Originally planning for annual expansions, the release of the second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, was delayed to 2026 due to the need to prioritize immediate updates and the first season's launch. Fergusson learned not to commit to specific timelines too early, preferring to give players a general idea of what to expect without setting rigid deadlines.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Transparency is a cornerstone of Fergusson's strategy. He plans to reveal a content roadmap in April and utilize the Public Test Realm (PTR) to allow players to test upcoming patches before they go live. Initially, the team was hesitant about spoiling surprises, but Fergusson now believes 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 feedback and adjustments before major updates are rolled out to the entire player base.

Expanding the PTR to consoles is a current challenge, primarily due to certification issues and the complexities of releasing new builds on these platforms. However, with the support of parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working to overcome these hurdles. Fergusson also highlighted the benefits of having Diablo 4 on Game Pass, which removes barriers to entry and attracts new players continuously.

All Hours Diablo

In our conversation, Fergusson shared his personal gaming habits, revealing his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24, Destiny 2, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4. With 650 hours logged on his home account alone, Fergusson's dedication to Diablo is evident. He currently enjoys playing as a Companion Druid and has recently started a Dance of Knives Rogue. His passion for the game, which he cites as a reason for joining Blizzard five years ago, remains strong despite his professional involvement.

Fergusson's approach to Diablo 4 reflects a deep understanding of the live service model and a commitment to player satisfaction. By learning from past mistakes and embracing transparency, he aims to ensure that Diablo 4 not only survives but thrives as a long-term gaming experience.