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'

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 internet 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 higher than ever for Diablo 4, which has fully embraced the live service model. Another Error 37 would be devastating, jeopardizing the long-term viability Blizzard envisions for the game. This commitment to live service is a significant departure from previous numbered Diablo titles.

Diablo, Immortal

At DICE Summit 2025, I spoke with Fergusson following his presentation, "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV." He highlighted four key pillars for Diablo 4's success: scalable infrastructure, consistent content delivery, design flexibility, and proactive player communication. His emphasis on long-term player engagement marks a clear shift from the traditional Diablo release cycle. Instead of relying on infrequent numbered sequels, Diablo 4 aims for sustained longevity through continuous updates and seasonal content.

I asked Fergusson about Diablo 4's long-term vision: is it destined for immortality, or is there a point where the focus will shift to Diablo 5? He clarified that while not "eternal," the goal is to keep Diablo 4 thriving for years to come, respecting players' significant time investment. He acknowledged the lengthy gaps between previous Diablo installments (over a decade each), but emphasized the vastly different update cadence planned for Diablo 4.

Fergusson's experience leading the Gears franchise has shaped his approach. He learned the importance of realistic timelines, citing the delay of Diablo 4's second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, until 2026. Initially planned for a year after launch, the delay was due to shifting resources to address immediate live game needs and the first season. While the 18-month gap between launch and Vessel of Hatred wasn't the intended 12 months, Fergusson is hesitant to commit to a fixed expansion schedule, prioritizing a measured and informed approach.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Fergusson's cautious approach extends to the team's commitment to unprecedented transparency. This includes a content roadmap (revealed in April) and the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to experience upcoming patches before official release. Initially hesitant about spoiling surprises, Fergusson now prioritizes a smoother player experience, even at the cost of early reveals.

He argues that a potentially flawed PTR experience is preferable to a widespread negative reaction to a poorly-received surprise update. While data mining and early leaks are inevitable, Fergusson believes the benefits of a well-informed player base outweigh the risks of early disclosures.

Expanding PTR access to consoles is a current challenge, due to certification complexities and the difficulty of releasing console builds. However, Blizzard is actively working on this, aided by the support of parent company Xbox.

The inclusion of Diablo 4 on Game Pass has significantly expanded its reach, offering a barrier-free entry point for new players. Fergusson contrasts this with the premium model of Diablo 4 and the free-to-play model of Diablo Immortal, highlighting Game Pass as a crucial tool for consistent player acquisition.

All Hours Diablo

Our conversation concluded with a discussion of Fergusson's personal gaming habits, offering insight into his influences. While acknowledging the differences between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, he recognizes the importance of considering players who enjoy both titles. He aims to avoid scheduling conflicts between seasonal content in different games.

His top three games of 2024, based on playtime, reveal his preferences: NHL 24 (third), Destiny 2 (second), and Diablo 4 (first, with over 650 hours on his personal account alone). This personal investment underscores his deep connection to the game and informs his approach to its ongoing development. He attributes his continued engagement to the game's addictive nature and the satisfaction of regular progression.