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 reflection on one of Diablo's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This error, which plagued the launch of Diablo 3, famously prevented countless players from accessing the game due to server overload. It not only drew significant criticism towards Blizzard but also became a cultural meme. Despite the initial hiccup, Blizzard managed to resolve the issue, and Diablo 3 eventually flourished into a successful title. However, the memory of Error 37 has left a lasting impact, pushing Blizzard and Fergusson to ensure such failures are not repeated, especially as Diablo transitions into a more dynamic live service model with Diablo 4.

Diablo 4 represents a significant evolution in the series, embracing the live service model more fully than its predecessors. With plans for regular updates, seasons, and expansions, the game aims to maintain a robust player base over an extended period. Fergusson emphasized the importance of avoiding another catastrophic launch like Error 37, as it could jeopardize the game's longevity as a live service juggernaut.

In a conversation following his talk titled "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," Fergusson outlined four critical components for Diablo 4's resilience: scaling the game effectively, maintaining a steady flow of content, prioritizing practical design over purity, and keeping the community informed about future developments, even if it means sacrificing some surprises.

Fergusson's vision for Diablo 4 is one of longevity and consistency, a departure from the traditional model of new numbered releases every few years. When asked about the future of Diablo 4 and whether it could be considered "immortal" like World of Warcraft, Fergusson expressed a desire for the game to last "for years," but stopped short of committing to an eternal lifespan. He cited the example of Destiny, which initially aimed for a ten-year cycle but faced challenges. Diablo 4, he stressed, aims to respect players' time and investment by providing a clear road ahead.

The shift to a more transparent approach was highlighted by Fergusson's announcement that the second expansion for Diablo 4, Vessel of Hatred, would not arrive until 2026, a delay from the originally planned annual expansion schedule. This adjustment was necessitated by the need to focus on immediate updates and the first season's launch. Fergusson learned from this experience and is cautious about setting definitive timelines for future content, preferring to ensure internal certainty before making public commitments.

Transparency extends to the use of a Public Test Realm (PTR) and content roadmaps. Initially hesitant about spoiling surprises, Fergusson now believes that involving a smaller group of players in testing can prevent larger issues down the line. He noted the importance of reaching millions of players with a great season, even if it means disappointing a smaller group with a less-than-perfect PTR.

Expanding access to the PTR to console players is a goal, albeit one complicated by certification challenges. The support of parent company Xbox is helping Blizzard overcome these hurdles. Additionally, Fergusson highlighted the benefits of Diablo 4's inclusion on Game Pass, which removes the barrier of entry and attracts new players continuously.

As for what Fergusson is currently playing, his top three games by playtime in 2024 are NHL 24, Destiny 2, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4. With 650 hours logged on his personal account, Fergusson's passion for Diablo is evident. He enjoys playing as a Companion Druid and has recently started a Dance of Knives Rogue. His dedication to the game, both professionally and personally, underscores his commitment to ensuring Diablo 4's success as a long-lasting live service game.