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 frustration and became a memorable (and meme-worthy) symbol of a rocky launch. While Diablo 3 eventually triumphed, the experience underscored the importance of preventing 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 disastrous, especially if Blizzard aims to maintain Diablo 4's longevity beyond major content releases.

Diablo's Immortal Future

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 resilience: scalability, consistent content delivery, design flexibility, and proactive player communication. His emphasis on long-term player engagement represents a significant departure from previous Diablo titles. While expansions and updates were common, Diablo 4's commitment to live service signifies a shift towards sustained, evolving gameplay rather than relying on periodic numbered sequels.

This led to the question: Is Diablo 4 aiming for immortality? Will it endure indefinitely, akin to World of Warcraft? Fergusson's response: "We want it to be around for years," he said. "I don't know if it's eternal. We want players to see a clear path forward, recognizing their significant time investment and ensuring we're committed for the long haul."

He noted the lengthy gaps between Diablo 2 and 3, and 3 and 4, acknowledging the lack of Diablo 4's current aggressive update schedule in its predecessors. However, Fergusson's leadership, beginning in 2020, brings a new perspective and a focus on long-term planning, albeit with a cautious approach to setting firm timelines.

His announcement at DICE Summit that Diablo 4's second expansion wouldn't arrive until 2026, a delay from the initially planned yearly release, illustrates this cautious approach. The shift of resources to address immediate live game needs and the first season contributed to the 18-month gap between Diablo 4's launch and Vessel of Hatred. When pressed on whether 18 months is the new standard for expansions, Fergusson remained noncommittal, stating, "I learned my lesson about calling the shot too early."

Transparency Trumps Surprise

Fergusson's team is prioritizing unprecedented transparency. This includes a content roadmap (to be revealed in April) and a Public Test Realm (PTR) for player feedback before live updates. Initially hesitant about spoiling surprises, Fergusson now views the PTR as a valuable tool, stating, "It's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season."

He's actively working to expand PTR access to consoles, currently limited by certification and release complexities. The support of parent company Xbox is facilitating this expansion. Furthermore, Diablo 4's presence on Game Pass is a key factor in expanding its player base, removing the barrier to entry presented by purchasing the game outright.

A Diablo Enthusiast's Perspective

Our conversation concluded with a discussion of Fergusson's own gaming habits. He dismissed comparisons between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, emphasizing their distinct differences but acknowledging the need to avoid overlapping seasons to cater to players who enjoy both games. His top three games of 2024, based on playtime, highlight his dedication: NHL 24 (third), Destiny 2 (second), and Diablo 4 (first, with over 650 hours played).

His passion for Diablo, even beyond his professional role, is evident. He attributes his continued engagement to the game's addictive nature and the sense of community it fosters, concluding, "The reason I came to Diablo five years ago was because it was my favorite game to play."