At the DICE Summit 2025, Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo series, opened his keynote with a candid discussion about one of the franchise's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This error, which plagued the launch of Diablo 3, left countless players unable to log in due to overwhelming server demand, sparking widespread criticism and even becoming a meme. Despite this rocky start, Blizzard managed to resolve the issue, and Diablo 3 eventually found success. However, Fergusson and his team at Blizzard are determined to prevent any recurrence of such a debacle, especially as Diablo evolves into a more sophisticated live-service model with Diablo 4.
Diablo 4 marks a significant shift for the series, embracing a live-service approach with regular updates, ongoing seasons, and planned expansions. The stakes are high; a repeat of Error 37 could be disastrous for Diablo 4's ambition to become a long-lasting live-service juggernaut.
Diablo, Immortal
In my conversation with Fergusson at the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, following his presentation titled “Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV,” he outlined four key strategies for ensuring the resilience of Diablo 4: scaling the game effectively, maintaining a steady flow of content, not being overly attached to design purity, and keeping players informed about future updates, even if it means sacrificing some surprises.
Fergusson emphasized the importance of keeping players engaged over the long term, contrasting the live-service model of Diablo 4 with the more traditional release cycles of its predecessors. The commitment to a live-service approach signals a shift toward continuous engagement and evolution, rather than relying on periodic major releases.
When asked about the longevity of Diablo 4, Fergusson suggested that while the game may not be eternal, it is designed to last for many years. He referenced the lengthy gaps between previous Diablo releases but highlighted the more aggressive update schedule planned for Diablo 4. Fergusson, who joined Blizzard in 2020 after leading the Gears franchise, is focused on a sustainable future for the game.
Fergusson also discussed the delay of Diablo 4's second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, to 2026, originally planned for a yearly release. The decision was influenced by the need to prioritize immediate updates and the first season's launch. He expressed reluctance to commit to a fixed schedule for future expansions, citing the importance of internal certainty before making public announcements.
Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose
Transparency is a cornerstone of Fergusson's strategy for Diablo 4. The upcoming content roadmap, set to be revealed in April, and the Public Test Realm (PTR) are designed to keep players informed and involved. Initially hesitant about spoiling surprises, Fergusson now believes that transparency benefits the majority of players, even if it means a few might lose the element of surprise.
Fergusson also shared plans to expand the PTR to console players, acknowledging the current limitation to PC via Battle.net due to certification challenges. With the support of parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working to overcome these hurdles. Additionally, the inclusion of Diablo 4 on Game Pass is seen as a way to attract more players, similar to the decision to release the game on Steam alongside Battle.net.
All Hours Diablo
In our discussion about his gaming habits, Fergusson revealed his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24, Destiny 2, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4, with a staggering 650 hours on his personal account. He's currently enjoying playing as a Companion Druid and a Dance of Knives Rogue, showcasing his deep passion for the game that brought him to Blizzard.
Fergusson's dedication to Diablo is evident not only in his professional role but also in his personal gaming life. He describes the habit-forming nature of live-service games, which keep him coming back despite distractions from other titles. His vision for Diablo 4 is clear: to create a game that players can enjoy for years, respecting their time and commitment.
